Sunlight creeps through the window shades, and lands on the eyes of Herr Johannes. His eyelids flutter a moment; he instinctively goes to turn on his side when a sudden twinge of pain reminds him he can't do that. But it does wake him up the rest of the way. He slowly props himself up on his elbows, careful not to strain anything he'd later regret. Feeling a weight on his stomach, Herr Johannes looks downward; Lady Jacqueline's head rests on top him, having fallen asleep crouched over him. Her legs rest on the floor while her upper body is sprawled over the cot – Herr Johannes tries his best not to wake her. He looks around the room, realizing for the first time they're back in the safe house. A snore from near the fireplace draws his attention, and he sees Dwalin curled beneath a blanket on the ground, next to him lies Marcus. Apparently they had started a fire in the night since a few wisps of smoke still rise from the charcoal. Only a few feet from them is a woman with white-hair Herr Johannes doesn't recognize; he must've not noticed her last night, understandably.

"Where's Adwonus?" Herr Johannes whispers to himself almost inaudibly. "I'm right here," replies a second whisper. Herr Johannes finally sees Adwonus at the table, his face in stoic contemplation. Adwonus seems to mentally put aside his thoughts, "Glad to see you're awake." "Yea, me too," he replies, "Apparently everyone got out alright." Adwonus responds, "Yea, everyone's alive, but..." "But what?" says Herr Johannes as he shift his weight gently, his elbows becoming stiff. "But we failed, our task is failed." "Perhaps," Herr Johannes looks intently at Adwonus, "God has a way of working these things out. I've got a feeling this is just the beginning." The half-orc pauses a moment, "I've never been one for going to temple you know..." Herr Johannes interjects, "I'm not asking you to. Just watch, things are about to change." Adwonus says, "I think you're right; things are about to change. But will it change for the better?" Herr Johannes and Adwonus hush their conversation as the others start to rise, the dawn in full bloom. It's a new day...

[Private to Marcus: The young man walks along the beach, his eyes hypnotized by the rolling waves. White foam rises to the top with each pulse and washes onto the shore. He always liked these walks on the beach; he liked being near the sea. It always sung to him in the most marvelous way. And then the sea sang, a woman's voice like glass...

Beneath the sea there are two hearts,
Both are the same as yours.
Only one can be lifted out,
The deeper of the two.

The young man listened, enthralled by the voice. Its perfection rang through him; the endless water rocked in harmony to the tune. When the last word was sung, the sea died, it's waves ceasing at an instant. And all at once, the ocean sat still, perflectly clear without a ripple. Then he saw it, a hand rise out from the water; from it echoed the only movement in the sea. The head of a woman breaks the glass surface, her auburn hair flashing off the sun. The young man watches, expecting her to sing, but instead she screams. She screams a blood-curling scream and plummets beneath the surface, and the ripple shatters the ocean, waves crashing upon eachother in a frenzied violence. She is drowning.

He dives into the water after her without a second thought. The waves thrash and threaten to consume him, but he continues to swim, his mind focused with intent. He dives once more upon the spot he saw her, his hand outstretched with hope. The sea is black, nothing can be seen beneath the surface. His hand grasps another's, and as he does, their hands start to glow, illuminating the black water. Floating in the blackness he sees himself grasping the hand of a small girl's corpse. Her flesh has rotted, exposing bone in some places. Suddenly, the eyes of the corpse open, their souless gaze upon the young man. It speaks in the whispered voice of countless dead, "Deeper. Go deeper." As it releases its skeletal grip, a tendril grasps the foot of the young man. He swims and thrashes to get away, but it is hopeless. He is pulled into the abyss...

You wake up. Marcus looks around in a brief panic, sweat dripping from his forehead - he realizes they're back in the safe house. He eases back down and thinks to himself, "Phew, that was some dream. Almost seemed....real."]

[Private to Herr Johannes: "How are your painting lessons coming?" the man rests his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Pretty well father, but I don't understand why I need to take them." The man replies, "A King needs to be skilled in many things, from the art of war to the arts themselves. There are important lesson in painting, such as patience and attention to detail. These lessons all too often go unnoticed." "I guess it's something I'll understand later?" says the boy, not quite a teenager. The man chuckles as he strokes his thick beard, "Well, not necessarily. You can notice such things even now. There are subtleties all around, a hidden world for the keen eye. One needs only to take a closer look."

Herr Johannes wakes up. Sunlight creeps through the window shades, and lands on his eyes...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:51, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

Lady Jacqueline had to keep her eye on him. She must. She only needed to rest her eyes a bit. She merely lay her head gently on his stomach to monitor his breathing, and to see if she could wake up to his necessity for food, if necessary. But her eyes drifted, and her mind wandered as she slipped into sleep. Sweat beads her temples as she dreams uncomfortably.

[Private to DM Ryan: Breathe in, breathe out.

At first, her dreaming was of simply watching Herr Johannes, lying there unconscious. The poorly wrapped bandages doing what they could to prevent the bleeding from worsening. She kept a fixed on on his somewhat-relaxed face as he slept in the bed offered to him. She had his hand in hers, ready to move when he did.

Breathe in, wash out.

The wind seemed to whisper in her ear. But her eyes didn't move. She couldn't let go of him. Not now. Please, she whimpers soundlessly. Please be well... I must protect you. His breathing was steady and slow, ebbing in... and washing out.. like the tides that pulled the sides of the ship.

Ebb in, flow out. Up and down.

Water sprayed over them, but still her eyes remained on Herr Johannes in his bed, though their surroundings seem to change. The wooden floors in her peripherals didn't change, but their texture seemed to grow darker from the waters. Waters that rushed up to her feet, seeping into her boots through her toes and back out.

Rushing wind, crashing wave.

Alas, she broke away from watching him a moment to see their surroundings: they were on a ship that seemed close to an abandoned island about a mile out from their whereabouts. From the dim of the sky, it was just past sunset: still light enough to see, but dark enough to warn of the night. The ship itself was abandoned, the wood a dark color from the sea spraying up onto it. It seemed ominous how tilted it was...

Gusting breeze, creaking decks.

She now realizes the ships status in the water: Sinking! "Herr Johannes, we're about to--!" She cries out, turning back to him to find the bed gone. His hand, gone. Nothing but a darker pool of water in the midst of the boat. Her seat and her legs taking a gentle dip into the waters. A voice off in the distance beckons to her.

Pull in, gush out.

The tide expels her from the ship and pulls her into a void that rests between the shipwreck and the island, where a distant and alive Johannes shouted from. She reaches out, now treading water, and tries to call back to him, when she's pulled deeper into the void in the depths outside of the drop off.

Deep dive, panic rising...

Suddenly, she takes a breath even though she knows she's under water. But... she can still breathe? A face suddenly appears before her: that same reflection from the other dream?? B-but... I thought you--? The face grins and pushes her back to shore, where she coughs and slips into new colors of other confusing dreams.]

I look down at my bandages to see them loose and a tad rough. "They must have loosened while I slept. I think it is time to change them." I say quietly to myself, appreciative of Dwalin's aide last night. Observing Lady Jacqueline still asleep across me, I do my best to not wake her and decide to begin to change them myself. I begin to pull them off, when I am suddenly stunned by what I find.

"Where are the wounds?!" I ask. I see the blood on the bandages in my hands, confirming yesterday night was not a dream. I look closer at my chest and move my right arm around. I begin to quickly, yet gingerly remove the other bandage. I find a similar result! Suddenly, the bandages remind me of part of the dream I had last night. [Private to GM: {in addition to the one I had from P.M.}]

[Private to GM: A man I knew, but who I could not see his face. Was he my father? I do not think so. He seemed to know me, his face was love. He stood in a stone room, there were many bloody bandages on a stone table nearby. He spoke to me, {Private to GM: "Otto,"} my name, and he said, "Be strong and of a good courage, be not dismayed neither be thou dismayed, for I AM with thee withersoever thou goest." His words, though sounding to be a command, seemed to empower my soul. I was given new life it seemed. I came to realized I was lying down. He then said, "When you rest, I work. Your sins are forgiven." He touched my shoulder and suddenly my shoulder and upper chest felt very warm, almost electrified. Almost immediately a deep rest fell over me and I almost uncontrollably fell into the most deep peaceful secure sleep I had ever felt. Looking back, it seems I was falling asleep in my dream? It was so real though. I only just remembered upon sight on those bloody bandages. {Healed 11 lethal dmg and 1 nonlethal dmg - (2 L-DMG and 1 NL-DMG from sleep, 9 from Lay-on-Hands)}

{-it was an artistic way to demonstrate Lay-on-Hands and receiving my new abilities Leveling up.}]

{epic music I was listening to :)
@ 15:00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ0gyFdXXE}
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Thu 07 Aug 2014.

Lady Jacqueline-- in an un-lady-like manner-- snorts awake, drawing her dagger suddenly and she blinks and glares around through a massive head rush. "AHHH!-- Ahh... whoa.." Collapsing back into her seat, she blinks again and stares at Johannes, a sigh of relief escaping. "I'm glad you're--" she stops suddenly and gapes at the opening in his shirt. Not a trace of the wound that she saw from yesterday was left behind. "...feeling brand new!" She cries out almost in disbelief and embraces him tightly, excited that he was healed miraculously.

"Let's see here," she pulls her skirt up to check out her ankles. She knew they must've been bruised from the fall she took yesterday. They, too, didn't seem to hurt at all. "Praise God," she sighs, relieved again. "I... cannot believe we survived that fall, let alone that fatal stab wound you had." She nudges him with her elbow. "Thank God that they didn't aim well."

She glances about the room at her comrades, new and current. "What happened to you all? And.." She tilts her head at the new white-haired lady. "Who might this be?"

In reply to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde (msg # 4):

Trapper sits at the safehouse, wondering where to go next with this, but realizes that he must seek further council. He assess the group. Some are shaken, others like himself are confused and angry. There's a sense of failure in his heart, perhaps betrayal but he tucks it away to be experienced at a later time. He rises from his seat, blue orbs glaring. "I've been waiting for some of you to awake, but I realize now that you know as much as I do about  what just happened. There are other forces in play, ones I was not informed of. I'm heading back to the rubble, I..." he pauses attempting to remember group dynamics and pleasantries, "WE need to find the corpse of the mace man. Perhaps he can give us some answers in death. Something could be on him that was not destroyed in the flames and bloodshed. Who is with me? If you wish to rest you can, but I must go there, and gain some answers." He heads for the door and turns back looking at the group. "Oh, and if I am the only one going. Keep an eye on the white haired woman. I don't want her leaving our site."

[Private to DM Ryan: If adwonus goes alone, he will head to that old bar and whistle a tune. He needs to talk to one of his superiors. ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:37, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

"I do have a name you know." Taisiya rolled her eyes as she sat up from her resting spot, pushing her white hair away from her face. She was still surrounded by the unfamiliar party she had encountered and roomed with the previous night after all the excitement. "Besides, I am sure I have overstayed my welcome, what must I remain here for?" she inquired, her eyes darting around the room at all the unfamiliar faces.

Still reeling a bit from such a disturbing night, both in sleep and otherwise, Marcus studies the room at large with a somewhat distant gaze. He stands, stretching a bit. "Hey, that seems a bit excessive. I realize you're a very careful person, but there's no need to keep this woman captive. We just pulled her from a burning building, after all, I don't think she deserves to be our hostage as well." He pauses, concern evident on his face. "Here, how about this," He says, turning to the fair-haired woman. "We're looking for the man who started the riot yesterday. He didn't make it out of the tavern before it burnt down, so there isn't much leg-work to be done. But perhaps you too would like to know the reason behind his actions?"

He winks obviously at Adwonus, his normal casual demeanor returning. "See? That's how ya talk to the ladies. You know, with respect and all that. Also, without the kidnapping." He states with a grin.

Lady Jacqueline smirks and folds her arms, rolling her eyes. She crosses over to Taisiya and extends her palm. "I am Lady Jacqueline. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." After shaking hands with her, she turns to Adwonus cautiously. Something felt very off about this quest-- some gut feeling was telling her something bad was present. "..What answers do you seek there?"

Herr Johannes touches his shoulder in disbelief; it feels completely normal. Without even a scar, the wound has vanished. All that remains is a torn hole in his tunic (he makes a mental note about that) and old bandages. He peels the remaining bandage off and tosses it in a corner. Their interiors are stained with blood, clearly visible as they land on the floor. Whispering prayers of praise, he stands with the others and speaks with renewed strength, "Adwonus, perhaps we should think things through and discuss - " Adwonus scowls at Herr Johannes, clearly fed up with thought of wasting time. The half-orc turns and pulls open the door, set on leaving. Quickly, Herr Johannes shouts, "Adwonus, wait!" Almost angry, he replies, "What?!" "The door!" Herr Johannes points just past Adwonus who also looks behind. Pinned to the front of the door, visible to the entire party, is a letter...

Adwonus picks up the letter and closes the door shut once more. The envelope is made of high quality parchment with a gold ink trim on the outside. Opening it on the table, Adwnous pulls out a note made on matching parchment and lays it on the table for all to read:

Greetings, My name is Celus Larlben.
I wish to invite you to my estate this morning, for I need to speak with you on matters of utmost importance; this I cannot stress enough. Despite what you may have been told, I make this offer on the most amiable and sincere grounds. I assure you this is no trick nor deception. If it is of any significance, one of your companions is already in attendance as my guest, a Mr. Martin Rolfe. Enclosed are detailed directions to my mansion located in the High District. My servants will be awaiting your arrival and will address any needs you might have.
Signed,
Celus Larlben

The last of the eyes finish reading the note. The entire party encircles the table, a little uncertain of where to begin about this. Suddenly, Adwonus says, "I need to think. I'm taking a walk." Herr Johannes takes a breath as if he were about to speak, but Adwonus closes the door behind him before he can utter a word. Herr Johannes wrinkles his brow in frustration. Dwalin lightly gently grabs his arm, "Don't worry, he's always been like that." Seeing him grow a little calmer, Dwalin continues to say, "Now...what are we going to do."

[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Adwonus turns the corner and makes damn certain no one is following him. Walking a casual pace in the Bazaar toward the docks, Adwnous whistles a tune. After a minute, to no surprise at all, a whistle returns his, finishing the melody that he started. He knows that whistle. Adwonus walks along the morning street, still sparse at this time of the day, and slips into the shadows down an alley. His footsteps quiet on the stone, a voice speaks out for no where – her voice as smooth as glass, "Hello Trapper." Adwonus smiles to himself and watches a beautiful elven woman step from the shadows. In the tavern she had been dressed in disguise; now, she was in her proper attire, donned in dark leather with blades at her side. Adwonus says, "Pyrra." She smiles toward him, that look which seems to naturally border on seduction. Her lips gracefully speak one word, "Report."]

[Private to Marcus: Marcus's eyes widen at his father's name, a reaction he hides quickly. He thinks to himself, "Clearly this is what father wants; I need to do what I can to make sure it happens." Marcus knows his father. He knows he wouldn't do something like this unless it was actually important; he also knows he's an honest man, true to his word. What does this all mean?]

"wait. I'll come with you. perhaps we could find some answers in the rubble." dwalin says to adwonus. He quickly gets up and puts on his armor. He fastens his axe to his belt and follows adwonus to the door

Dwalin hurries to catch up and steps out the door, but Adwonus is no where to be seen. He didn't wait. Somewhat concerned, Dwalin rejoins the others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:43, Fri 08 Aug 2014.

Lady Jacqueline glares at the door that shuts behind Dwalin, pursing her lips into a thin line. "I think... now is a good time to assess and shop for what we need and then meet up back here," she states conclusively. She closes her eyes a moment to inhale and exhale slowly. "I don't want to head into some quarrel without my effects. And who knows what this guy, Larlben, will bring to us."

She looks at Herr Johannes a long moment, pondering and still in wonder about his wounds not leaving a trace. "Would you.. be willing to go out with me? I am in need of company, and I feel most comfortable with you, considering how much we've gone through these past couple days..." Days felt more like weeks, really.

(13:26, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Listen Check.
13:26, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 14 using 1d20+5. Spot Check)

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 9):

[Private to DM Ryan: Adwonus looks at the elf woman, attempting to keep his eyes calm. He stares at her, and they step into the shadows together. Before he speaks. "The mission went down hill. A wild card. Some man with a mace walked up and KILLED the target, bashed his skull clean, then set fire to the entire boar's head. Our cover wasn't blown, far as I can tell, but both the target and his killer are dead. Consumed by fire. Did we have any knowledge of another player? I need to know. We also found another person, a white haired woman, I thought her a civilian, pulled her from the flames, but somehow she ended up with the party at the safehouse. I'm unsure of the group's ability. They seem slightly... unfocused, slow, and the rouge, Martin, has all but disappeared. Thought you should know... "
He halts, allowing his information to sink in, he watcher her face, studies it. She is beautiful and he knows that he is hideous and green. A minor grimace crawls through his brain and he returns to the present situation, he then continues, " A man, named Celus Larlben, wishes to help our group with some information. Is there anything you can tell me about him?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Sun 10 Aug 2014.

Marcus lets out a sigh, wishing that for once the party would stick together for more than a few minutes. "Alright, so there's that. I should think that preparing is also a good idea. Shall we meet back here in an hour or so, then? Then see what this Larlben wants? Maybe he knows something about the tavern fire last night."

"well considering I am almost out of gold and I have a weapon and armor I'll just go get food and drink. I'll come with you guys, it's better if we stay together." dwalin walks with them until we see a place that sell food and he goes to buy some rations.

"I suppose it would be nice to know what is going on..." Taisiya mumbled as she slowly rose to her feet. "I will stay close to your party then." She followed the group heading to market, so as not to lose them.

{this happened immediately after and during Lady Jacqueline's post (message #4)}
In response to Lady Jacqueline's comment when she awoke I responded with a sort of gleam in my eye. "Oh they aimed, but God protected me!" I move my arms around working my shoulders in multiple directions. "... and now has healed me! Can you believe it! Oh how wondrous are His ways and works. I lift my hands toward heaven  and praise Him!" I lift my hands a moment and look toward heaven, grateful and full of joy, remembering to myself how He saved us last night from the flames and bloodshed, now combined with the miraculous healing. I then begin to stand from my bed.

{this happened immediately after Adwonus post ((Message #5)}
"Yes Adwonus, I think that is an appropriate idea, I will go with you to the rubble." Upon Adwonus mention of the mace man, I am confused and curious. "Wait, what happened to you all last night while we were separated? Mace man? you mean that assassin? He died in the fight last night?"
     Though previously I was so occupied with the miraculous I missed the mention by Lady Jacqueline, I am now suddenly brought to realization that there is another person in the room, not previously a part of our band.  "Wait, and ... who is this? Do you know her Marcus? Was she sent with you, but just late?" So many questions.

{during the exchange between Taisiya, Marcus, and Adwonus I am apprehensive (message #6-7)}
{during Lady Jacqueline's comment I ease up, though still remain silent. (message #8)}

{I do as Ryan's Post indicates (message #9)}

I watch as Dwalin returns, "Nowhere to be found already, was he?" {(message #10)}

I listen to Lady Jacqueline's words and the group's discussion before responding {(message #11-#15)}

"Wait!, we need to talk a moment before we depart"

I begin to speak in a hushed tone intensely, now once again immediately pushed into the seriousness of the mission again. I motion for all to gather around the kitchen table, speak quietly and draw the curtains.  I motion for someone to go upstairs and check, I look around the room myself and listen for anything out of place. "We need to check no one is here now from Larlben. Quick, search the place briefly"

{everyone please make a spot, listen, and search check}

00:07, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 9 using 1d20. Listen Check of Safe house.
00:07, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 20 using 1d20. Search Check of Safe house.
00:06, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 19 using 1d20+1. Spot Check of Safe house.

After the search is complete, {assuming we do not find anyone or anything out of place or indicating we are being spied upon further} I bring us all to the kitchen table and have us sit close.

"Could you wait here a moment Miss?" {I am speaking directly to Taisiya, I look her in the eye with gentle understanding} I motion for Marcus, Lady Jacqueline, and Dwalin to come speak with me in between the table and the door.

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Marcus: "What do you think we should do? We cannot keep her here as a prisoner, but does she know too much? Can we trust her? How do we know she is not a plant from Larlben? How did you meet?"]

I have us all come back to the table as if we decided what to do and we all speak together once again in hushed tones from any outside listeners.
"This letter means he knows where this safe house is and likely is watching us now with his spies. It is likely not safe to speak here.
     I think Lady Jacqueline has a good point, we need to shop," I whisper, "She needs arrows... and we cannot stand to go unprepared for any further length of time. If any of you need to shop, now is the time to do it.
     Do not go anywhere in less than '2's', if he is watching us and likely has, perhaps inside intel on us from Martin, we need to be extremely cautious and I have no reason to trust his intentions.
     This brings up another issue. Martin. We do not know his status and allegiance. Maybe he found out information we were not privy to that changed his mind, maybe he was fed just what they wanted him to hear. I pray he was not tortured. If he was, all Martin knew might now be in Larlben's possession.
     I am not sure to trust this letter or not. I know we need more information. This would give us a chance to spy out his residence, at least partially. It could easily be a trap however. Perhaps we should call for backup from Rielle? What do you all think?
     Also, before we decide, we need to pool all the information we know about Larlben. No mater how trivial.
     Oh and one last thing, I think it would be dangerous for you miss {I am speaking directly to Taisiya, I look her in the eye with concern} to leave this place alone at this time, Larlben likely assumes you are with us, and with the recent assassination I think it may be dangerous to go somewhere without a guard. I would not want to see anything happen to you. Just wait here a moment again if you would." I motion for Marcus, Lady Jacqueline, and Dwalin to come speak with me in the corner again.

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Marcus: "So what do we do about her? Just bring her with us as we shop? the further she is into this, the harder it is for her to return to any normal life...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:17, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

[Private to Adwonus Swillman: Pyrra leans against the wall and her purple eyes narrow at Adwonus's report. She lets him finish speaking before saying a word, "Trapper, did you say safehouse?" He responds, "Yes, why?" Speaking warily, she replies, "Trapper... we don't have a safehouse in this area." Adwonus feels like he just walked into a tree, something he should've seen but didn't.

Pyrra continues, "I don't know who killed the target, but I know it wasn't us. Larlben perhaps..."  She pauses, thinking things over in her mind. Without noticing, she brushes her dark brown hair back, revealing the elven ears hidden beneath, something she always did when solving a difficult problem. "As for the white-haired civilian, take her along or kill her – it doesn't really matter. Your companions' loyalties have grown questionable, and they've produced no results. From now on, consider them expendable assets."

"Celus Larlben is another conspirator, plotting to overthrow the government and gain power for himself; he's just as large a threat as Kelden Delcor." Pyrra's lips curl into an imposing smile, "In fact, you may have been blessed with a golden opportunity Trapper." "How so?" he interjects. "No doubt Larlben wants to convert you to his cause; if he wanted to kill you, he'd send thugs, not a letter. Which means he'll speak to you in person, and he's a hard man to reach. I want you to use this opportunity to infiltrate Celus Larlben's estate, and when the timing is right... assassinate him. This is your NEW mission. We can end a great deal of bloodshed with this simple action. Keep what you've learned here to yourself, though you may involve a friend if you believe you can trust them. As for the rest of your companions, simply use them to gain entry to Larlben's estate – they no longer matter. I'll send one of my men to secretly follow you as back up; he'll contact you when the chance arises. Do this Trapper, and you may just end this conflict here and now. You'd be a hero among us..."

Adwonus walks back to the so-called 'safehouse', the conversation still repeating in is mind. He knows this new mission will be dangerous and challenging... He's never felt more alive.]

"Nothing over here," says Dwalin as he comes back from the loft. "Good," replies Herr Johannes, "Just had to make sure we weren't being spied on" {Spot; Listen; Search – Success}. Herr Johannes beckons them over to a corner of the room and they whisper among themselves a moment. A minute later, they return to the table in the center and pick up their things. He continues, "Well, first things first, let's get any supplies we might need from the market. I don't know if we'll get the chance again for a while." Most everyone nods in consensus while Dwalin consents with a growling stomach – only a fool would travel with a hungry Dwarf.

The party enters the Bazaar. They're almost shocked to step back into normal life once more, like walking into another world altogether. The market is roaring with life as businessmen open up their shops for the day. It feels like an eternity since they've been here; everything from before the fire feels distant really. And yet, here are ordinary people living their lives – like they must.

Lady Jacqueline looks down a corner, trying to find the shop she needs; her face lights up as she points down a street and beckons everyone to follow. The cobbled stone roads are starting to get crowded once again as the world comes to life. Shopkeepers are placing new stock in their windows, smoke rises from the bakery, and wagons are carried through the center by various pack animals. Across the street, the party catches sight of an Orc & Goblin haggling prices with a grocer. The Orc's lengthy black hair is nearly in dreadlocks, but the Goblin wears his gray hair up in a pony tail, a common hairstyle for Goblins with long hair. Clearly sailors, they must've arrived in Herrod just recently. The tan-skinned Orc blends with the crowd, but the Goblin's dark, green skin sticks out like a sore thumb. However, no one seems to notice nor care – people are used to seeing everything in Herrod. The party hears laughter as they leave the grocer behind. Lady Jacqueline looks back to see the Orc is holding a green fruit next to the Goblin, comparing the color and shape to his nose; hilariously, they look almost the same. Even Lady Jacqueline can't refrain from giggling.

Traveling further down the road, the Lady Jacqueline walks into one of the shops. Only a few minutes later does she walk out with a large smile on her face, carrying a full quiver of arrows in her arm. Satisfied with her new sharp objects, they pass by a few more shops and a street vendor for breakfast before returning to the safehouse. Opening the door, they see Adwonus inside! "It's about time your back," says Lady Jacqueline, attempting to sneer. She tries her best to sound disapproving, but falls short; buying new weapons put her in too good of a mood. She sets her spoils down on the table and continues to speak, "Now that we have what we need, what next? There's that rubble we cou-" "Actually," Adwonus interrupts, "I think we should go to this Larlben. See what he wants..."

{If you wish to Buy & Sell any further, list such items and transaction in a PM
Lady Jacqueline: 1gp 7sp - for Rope (50ft) & Arrows (20qt) & breakfast
Other party members: 2sp - for breakfast.}

Bonus pic: "At the grocer"

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:09, Mon 11 Aug 2014.

At his sudden cut-off, Lady Jacqueline narrows her eyes and purses her lips tightly, folding her arms over her chest. "Excuse me," she mutters. "But have you gotten anything from what you observed at the ashes?" She blinks and leaves no room for yes or no questions by adding, "And if so, what have you found?" She bites at each word, enunciating herself in each one-- clearly, crossed.

Inwardly she thinks to herself, We may have failed the mission, but we need to know, if we're to function as a team.

Taisiya did as she was told, as grudgingly as it was. She was not familiar with these people, and did not trust them completely even though they had not exactly given her reason not to. She turned towards the party that did not look like it was on the verge of squabbling.

"If I am to remain with your party, be it for my own protection or not, then should I not know what is going on?" She asked Herr Johannes, as he gave her the instruction to remain in the first place. "For example, why is Larlben so intrigued with you all?" She raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

Upon returning from a good deal of shopping I am a bit tired, but quite pleased with my purchases.

When we return to the safe house I see Adwonus. I motion for all to enter before we discuss our plans. I again draw the curtains before we speak.

"Is anyone else here? Lets make sure we do not have unwanted ears listening or eyes peering. Lets quick check the place out, lest anyone came by while we were away.

{search, listen, spot checks please}
{23:02, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20. Listen Check of Safe house.
23:02, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 8 using 1d20. Search Check of Safe house.
23:02, Today: Herr Johannes rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Spot Check of Safe house.}

     I agree with Lady Raynelde. I think we should gather as much information as reasonably possible before going for this 'invitation.' That rubble will only be there for so much longer, the secrets hidden within may be lost if we wait. I do not see any reason not to search the rubble before this trip. Do any of you all here see anything I missed?
     I am curious though Adwonus, what brought you to this decision? I was interested to know as well, what do you know about Larlben. We talked about him and what we knew while you were on a walk."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Thu 14 Aug 2014.

Marcus watches the various conversations with an exasperated sigh. After only a day of knowing these people personally, it was growing more obvious that this was the natural state of the group. "Come on, everyone..."

Dwalin follows the group back, only buying a sack and a couple torches. And of course after filling his stomach. "We better find money soon, I'm almost out."

Herr Johannes scans around the room, appearing the same as it ever was, untouched since they left it, "Looks clear still," he mutters {Listen; Search; Spot – Failed}. "Well, if there's none opposed, let's walk by the tavern. What harm could it do?" The party packs up the remainder of their belongings and leaves the safehouse behind. Today is a new day; a new adventure.

Questions awkwardly linger in the air; some are asked by implication only, but all are hesitant to answer. Trust is a valuable thing these days. Despite the tension, Herr Johannes peers ahead, looking for the right roads. Before long he can see a wispy trail of smoke over the rooftops, and they reach the smoldering remains of the tavern. The damage is unbelievable. Only one wall and a few corners survived; everything else has burned to a pile of ashes on the ground. The party can see straight clear to the otherside, a sight followed by a sense of futility. What did they expect to find here? They weren't quite sure themselves. "Come on guys, lets at least have a look around." says Herr Johannes. The party walks across the rubble {Auto Search – Highest: 19}. Suddenly, Herr Johannes nearly trips on something and pulls a charred skeleton out from the dust, it's black hand clinging to his boot. Herr Johannes shakes it off quickly, not able to think straight for a moment. The skeleton detaches from his heel, and Herr Johannes's left breathing heavily, tinged by fear. Calming himself down, he whispers, "So many didn't make it out..." Gazing across the debris, he realizes there's nothing left here... except death. Stepping out of the ashes, he does find one thing though: a small silver coin on the ground. Herr Johannes slowly picks it up off the burnt stone. There's a few scratches on it, but it's still good...

[Private to Taisiya Northwood: As Taisiya walks with the party, she can't help but think, "What mess have I gotten myself into! These people are all rather strange." She lifts her hands and stares at the palms, continuing "But then... I guess I'm strange too." Taisiya chuckles at her own mind's joke which catches the attention of Marcus, "Hey, what's so funny?" She responds quickly, "Oh, nothing! My hands are just dirty is all." Seemingly satisfied with that, he doesn't pursue it. Suddenly a wave of sadness falls over her; she didn't expect that. "I suppose my hands are dirty," she solemnly thinks to herself, "Stained for the rest of my left..." Taisiya pushes the thought from her mind; it's too early in the day for such memories.]

[Private to Marcus: Staring over the rubble, Marcus is surprised to find guilt – not at the fire, but at himself. He thinks, "All this death, easily could've been us. I promised father I'd keep them safe, and the edge of failure was so near." Marcus looks and sees Lady Jacqueline walking across a fallen plank of wood, balancing along the side. An image flashes in his mind of her death, a sudden thought that nearly brings him to tears... and he's not sure why. Puzzled at his own behavior, he reflects on it and finds no reason at all for it. It's just... there.]

{Dwalin: 8 cp - 1 Sack, 2 Torches.}
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Thu 14 Aug 2014.

Lady Jacqueline regards Taisiya with a gentle smile. "Larlben seems eager to appoint anyone like a pawn. And for anyone who may like fame, fortune, or both, he sounds like a handsome reward behind his back." She smirks and rolls her eyes. "Of course, I'm more suspcicious than trusting of the guy. We'll likely see more of him sooner rather than later." She gestures to the rubble and tenderly walks through it, finding any evidence that she can.