Two months had passed since the heroes' most recent adventure to search for the Dog Skin of Hades. It had been a success and a turnabout of fortunes for them. The bitter sting of failure from the search of the Bow of Herakles a year prior was washed away. Over the past two months almost anything that they desired from the influential Dimas family was granted to them.

After only a few weeks at staying at the family's estate, Itylus let his companions know that he was feeling the itch to travel again and had said his goodbyes, leaving them and returning to the forests that he was so comfortable with. As for others? Well, if they desired solitude they were respectfully given it. They were guests, and free to leave to stay in town or travel elsewhere as desired. But otherwise they enjoyed the hospitality and gratitude of their new patron.

Lysandros himself, however, was of interest to the Dimas nobles who he had spoken with, and he was quickly introduced to a young woman, Calliope Dimas, who had accepted his courtship with interest. She was not particularly well-connected to the family patriarch or had any mercantile connections that her cousins had, but she carried the weight of the name and thus the connection. It was still a little too soon in their courtship for Lysandros to make a proposal of marriage.

Those in the group who would travel to the city would, over the course of the past two months hear about the political successes of their patron. How a nobleman from the House of Dimas had been elected to the Assembly of the People, and now were staunch advocates for the "democractic nonsense" that they and other noble families had formerly eschewed. They had also heard about how they had also restarted operations at the silver mine which they had cleared out, bringing wealth into the city. The populaces' opinion of those from the Dimas Family seemed to be quite high as their influence continued to grow.

---

October 31, 313 - 7:00 PM

The Taverna Mythos was one of Thena's newest and rapidly one of the most popular eating and drinking establishments. Fresh warm bread, well cured meats, and vegetables. Additionally they had a large stock of imported wine from the Vineyards of Ione, which lay inside of Argos, and which was renowned throughout all of Mythika.

It was here tonight that the heroes gathered to meet. Being well connected now to the Dimas family of Thena, and now becoming better known in the city itself, they were given their own private table and complimentary wine and appetizers.

The Taverna was busy tonight. In the common area people from all walks of life were gathered, having their dinner or drinking to excess. A table of Noblemen and Noblewomen, bearing colors of other noble houses of the city sat laughing and enjoying several bottles of wine together. At another table was a one-eyed man, a gambler of sorts, who was running a kind of card game. A singer was in the corner of the Taverna, taking requests and singing alternatively joyful and happy songs as well as those designed to stir emotion in the heart. Merchants also took up deals here, selling or buying goods - perhaps some legal, some illicit in nature.

Either intentionally or inadvertently Tancea has played a detectable role in her new patron's success in the new political climate.  Making frequent and often dramatic use of her skills as she travels through the city seeking out those in need of healing.  Accepting any donation they are able to offer in return for her aid, be it a simple well made meal, or several coins from an over full purse, she doesn't seem to even notice the difference. While somewhat limited in the minor miracles she can perform and more limited by how many, she still tends to find the time to perform more than a dozen in a single day.

Given the new and dangerous nature of the silver mine much of her effort takes place there, fixing what would otherwise be fatal or at the very least crippling injuries only moments after they occur, all the while not making any effort to hid the nature of her current patron.

Despite having taken the reward as offered Tancea has, as nearly as anyone can tell, done nothing with it.  She donates her time and mystical energies to the pursuits of her faith and accepts nothing more than the spare change she spends on food at the more comfortable of taverns, all of which have gladly extended her a tab on days when her efforts receive no contribution other than the heartfelt thanks of those unable to spare even a single coin.

---

October 31, 313 - 7:00 PM

Taking a well deserved break from yet another long day of traveling the city, healing the wounded at the mine, and providing more mundane aid to those in between, Tancea has been a common sight here in the last few months.  As is usually her way she drops a handful of smaller easier to spend coins in the hat of whichever entertainer happens to be lucky enough to be on duty on her way in, stops at the bar to order a wine considerably better than the complimentary kind, and one of the richest meals that pairs well with it and the very nearly disgustingly sweet dessert that draws her interest that day, paying as always with a significant percentage of whatever coin was donated to her that day, paying no mind to the storage of wealth it simply flows through her fingers like dry sand.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

Dionne spent most of her days exploring as a dog or altering her form. A nude acrobat was popular and a old disabled woman seeking alms. But she stayed fed a cute playful dog gets scraps.

Here she was herself as she joined the others to eat and drink modestly.

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 1):

 With his meager coins, Lysandros would seek to purchase better garments for his rightful station in the nobility. He had to look the part, if he was going to reclaim his rightful place in society.

 New and more fancy armor was on the to do list, but such was beyond his purse, for the time being.

Of their little company, it was Itylus of whom Dysis had been most fond, and most open with.  She truly hated to see him go; but in no way tried to sway him otherwise.  Darkness and Air were her essence and orientation in the art.   And the former led her to be somewhat cynical, as the latter led her to cherish freedom.  Both her own, and that of anyone she authentically cared about.  Thus, on that final day, she bid him good fortune and godly favor, turned another page, and went on with her life.

Politics:  Dysis loathed politics, all of its unceasing and greasy maneuverings, though she rarely said as much.  It had destroyed her own family; initiated the chain of events that had seen the better part of her youth spent in servitude, borderline slavery.   Alliance with Dimas was another means to an end, and she did hold some gratitude for its benefits.   Still, she would be happier were it unnecessary, and she not working and living on the periphery of the political.   It made her just a little uncomfortable; like a burr in her sandal that she could not remove.   Yet the perks, security and stability were for the present worth it.

Retaining an occultist who could compel the shadows and the very air to obeyance lent a mystique which had its uses in some quarters.  So in addition to her scholarly and magical advice, her simple presence was sometimes a boon to her patrons' projects and works.

* * * * * *

Inside Taverna Mythos, the elementalist sat quietly sipping now and then at the white Debina wine she'd ordered.  As she had eaten earlier, she was not particularly hungry.  Well, her body was not.  Her mind was.  In lieu of anything else to fill it, she was listening, watching.  Hardcore student of human nature, there was nearly always something to see and learn...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Susie was joined by Dionne as a more seasoned magical peer and smiling sending the spellweavers mood. Stud"You look bored care to study me, we are rare and marvelous beings, none are about I think?," she said as an offer.

The group was in a prime position to people watch, such as it were. The nobles were still at their table getting progressively drunker. One of them was now making aggressive passes at one of the serving girls, goaded on by his fellows who were laughing boisterously as the poor girl slapped away his hand.

Elsewhere in the taverna a merchant was inspecting a small vial of white powder with a man that the party had not seen enter previously, but was now sticking out like sore thumb because he was trying so hard to be inconspicuous and failing to do so.

The one-eyed gambler had paused his game and was now eating, paying for the meal with his winnings, and the singer had stopped as well to rest her voice.

While watching all of these going-ons, they saw a young boy no more than 14 or 15 go to different tables and leaving notes for people to read. He finally had come to their table, shy in his countenance, and left a notice. Examining it, it listed a variety of jobs that needed to be done that normally would go up on a proper notice board, though the taverna lacked one. Many of the jobs were mundane. People looking to hire laborers for a variety of tasks, like building homes or surveying land.

Of some interest to an adventuring party was the following:

With little more than a glance at the note after she slides it around on the table to read, likely not even having read more than half of it Tancea pushes it back out into the table where anyone else can read it.

Looking up at the others at the table she asks them a seemingly simple question, but given her membership in the priesthood of Asclepius probably isn't going to lead to much in the way of debate.  ”I am off to Argos in the morning, do any of you care to join me?.”

A man sitting alone nursing his wine clears his throat then addresses Tancea, "Um...pardon me, but would you mind if I accompanied you? I'm a physician, albeit between patients at present (and somewhat itinerant), and the the announcement of the temple theft might well be meant to guide my path to my next destination."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:45, Thu 01 Oct 2020.

 Lysandros sat at the table, with a goblet of wine in his hand. He enjoyed the down time, but as much as he enjoyed himself, part of his thoughts where always on his situation, and ways to improve it." Why do you travel to Argos, Lady Tancea? Does the charms of Thena already soured for you?"

Tancea seems considerably more surprised that Lysandros needs to ask the nature of her urgency than that someone she does not yet know would be similarly alarmed by the problem.  ”While I have no doubt that whoever so chooses to chart the Minotaur's maze, or even scare off flying creatures, could make use of my skills in an effort to survive such a quest the more pressing matter is the theft of a relic from my temple, something I fear I may have already waited to long to solve easily due to the travel time involved, haste will need to be made to address that problem.”

Turning to look at the man at the nearby table as she stands from her own she addresses him directly, but not so quietly that many others can not overhear it.  ”I would welcome any travel companions that can be ready to depart first thing in the morning and maintain a quick pace or have knowledge of a way to speed the journy along its way.  Who the temple is willing to engage the services of will need to be assessed when I can speak to the local priests.”

Stavos nods, "I'll be ready."

Dysis listened to the ongoing with a rather blasé demeanor, that belied the fact she was rather intrigued with this particular option.    She nodded.

"I'd say it's an easy enough decision.  The allure of a good mystery, the prospect of making connections with a prominent temple.  Versus stepping over minotaur droppings in a musty labyrinth. Or getting a crick in my neck from needing to look constantly up at the enemy. And perhaps getting hit with the gods know what sort of droppings." 
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Thu 08 Oct 2020.

 " the task seems a worthy one. Perhaps I can convince our patron to loan us horses,  for the journey. "

Stavos looks between Tancea and Lysandros, "If you want a fast route, and you want to use Poseidon's aid to reach the temple, why not split the difference and go by sea?"

 " by sea, is agreeable to me. Perhaps our patrons might have connections, so we might get free passage, or at reduced cost. I shall what I might be able to arrange, if that is agreeable to all.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Fri 09 Oct 2020.

Tancea accepts Dysis's offer of aid with little more than her usual friendly smile, Lysandros' suggestion provokes a thoughtful look, as if she hadn't even considered the value of time invested in a faster mode of travel, Stavos however draws her attention more fully.

”If you are able to offer Poseidon's aid then you are considerably more than a simple physician, we would be most grateful for that assistance, and I am sure the temple would reward a speedy response to their call for aid in whatever way they can, at the very least such a reward would only be available to the first to succeed.”

The Next Morning

Having agreed to travel to Argos next, and also agreeing to take on Stavos, who had announced himself to the group as a physician, the party finishes their drinks and food and depart for the evening.

Lysandros, accompanied by Arthanos, spoke to his contacts within the Dimas family. He finds out that not only were they were not inclined to provide any assistance after he announced that their travels would be taking them to Argos, but that they revealed themselves to be nationalistic. After all, "Even if it was for a good purpose in helping the healers at Temple of Asclepius, the benefit would be to Argos, and not Thena!"

Though it took some doing, Lysandros was able to convince them that it would also benefit Thena, and by extension, the Dimas family as well. He also convinced them that the cost would be minimal. Eventually they begrudgingly agreed to pay their passage, but they would not provide any additional traveling costs. "You'll just have to fend for yourselves once you arrive." For his part, Arthanos informs Lysandros that he will stay behind and start inquiries into the problems at Fiskardo. This offer seems to placate the Dimas nobles.

Now early in the morning, the party gathers down at the docks and Lysandros relays the mixed news to them. Now they had to inquire which ships were departing for Argos, and perhaps more importantly, what the cost of said passage would be. It turns out that the Gods were smiling upon them, as they are able to negotiate a cost of travel to only a mere 10 silver per person, provided that they didn't mind sharing accommodation and would be responsible for their own meals. The ship was due to leave port in the next hour after the crew had loaded their cargo, which were bolts of cloth, fabrics, and dyes to be sold at the Great Market of Argos. Lysandros provides the sea captain a promissory note given to him by his contacts with the Dimas family to cover the fare, with the captain being suitably impressed after reviewing it. "I'll have to send a courier up to gather the coin before we leave, but I suppose that covers the cost of your passage."

Before they board they are told by the sea captain. "We are primary a merchant vessel, but we'll have one other passenger traveling with you as well. She actually negotiated her fare about an hour before you all showed up. She's up at the bow of the ship if you want additional company." he gestures to the woman, who is looking out over the city before the ship departs.

OOC:

Lyandros rolled well enough on his persuasion/oratory roll to have the Dimas Nobles cover the fare for travel over sea.

Danae, you are up and free to post your introduction!

Stavos looks confused, "I wasn't offering, I was merely pointing out that Horses were his creation, and sea travel was under his auspices and that they had him in common. And that, of the two Poseidon involved choices, sea travel was faster. You'd asked me to come up with a fast method of travel..."

At the mention of her Danae turns her head, and offers a friendly smile. While not overly remarkable in appearance she looks around the world as though everything might have some hidden value or treasure. Walking closer to the group  she says
“Hello, I am Danae. I saw a notice about a temple artifact that had been taken, and heard there was a group planning to return it. Mt
Mythic items are an interest of mine, and I have learned it is never a bad idea to be friendly with priests, so I was hoping to join you and assist in the return of this relic.“

"Well met, Danae.  My name is Dysis.  I think that, probably, more help is acceptable.  But why don't you tell us why mythic items are your interest?  Something about your calling, or skills, and in what way you can help?"    She then glanced to the other newcomer.

"And, when she's done, why don't you go next, sir Stavos.  A physician bearing a bow suggests Apollo to me.  Is it him you pray to - and perhaps draw power from?" 

Still a bit in awe about how quickly their patron is able to arrange, and pay for passage after what seems like a brief negotiation Tancea is still processing what the ship captain told them about potential conflicting responsibilities when she looks up at the sound of what she clearly thinks is a familiar voice.

Dysis' questions help call to memory similar ones of  her own, asked not long ago, and she steps forward to answer the questions, along with a friendly and welcoming smile for Danae  ”I think I can help here, Danae came to Delphi about a year ago when I was just finishing my training, in need of a cure for a nasty kind of wasting poison she had encountered while investigating some ancient ruins in search of historically important artifacts.  In the brief but inspiring time she spent recovering I had the opportunity to hear my first stories of the wonders the outside world could contain, and of the perils.

If we are to encounter any sort of intentional deception or deterrent by the thieves involved we would be hard pressed to find a better source of solutions than her, particularly for solutions for which magic is ill suited.”

Dysis nodded her agreement.  "That does sound like it would help.   Once, our little troupe had both a very clever hunter, as well as a resourceful and spirited thief.  This should help fill some of the gaps they left."

Stavos shrugs, "Oh, I  trained with the priests of Apollo, certainly, but my use of the bow is mostly because I'm not a warrior, and don't need a warrior's weapons. Bows are handier than swords for catching one's dinner when travelling. As to drawing power from Apollo...no, I'm not a priest. They have a certain requirement for a narrowness of thinking I find inhibits the cogent formation of accurate conclusions when one needs answers not generally found in a particular dogma."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

Dionne was on the ship rather naked not armed or in armor and spent time learning by listening and watching. When challenged as to her use she is runs shifting into a DOLPHIN and swims with the ship gracefully and chirping to Poseidon her prayer in his my mighty realm, stripping first returning on a line donning her few clothes.

Smiling before dressing.

"Don't judge by looks it can be a bad flaw. Rather assume nothing. My powers are at your disposal captain and my friends say at storm you fell in I could aid you.," she said.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:43, Thu 15 Oct 2020.

She nodded at Stavos' words.  "I understand you.  I've an affinity with a particular goddess; would aid her causes if called upon, yet I too strive to maintain a more holistic view of things." She smiled some.  "I admit I harbored some hope of arrows magically aflame, yet standard arrows get the job done, too.  And we recently lost our archer."

Then she glanced Dionae's direction when she spoke, "Yes, a shapeshifter can be most helpful, in so many situations.  We were fortunate to find one!  Well.  I believe we've got a good diversity of skills.  We might, however, want to think about hiring a spearman, to work with Lysandros on the front line. After we arrive. "

November 1, 313

Poseidon had smiled upon their journey.

Or, at least, the bad-tempered God didn't delay them any longer than they might ordinarily expect, and did not curse them with bad weather, or becalm the winds. The party, both new members along with the old, watched as the sailors had loaded barrels of goods to be sold at the Great Market of Argos, and eventually a courier had arrived back with a small sum of money and a note for the captain, courtesy of the Dimas family, satisfying the captain that his newest passengers could indeed pay their fare.

The first day had been slow going, hugging the coastline as they sailed to the southwest. They passed various ships going to and from Thena, occasionally with the sailors calling back news to one another. The next few days then they were on the open water, crossing the middle sea to the large island of Seriphos, where the fourth, and smallest of the city-states, Minea, lay. Stopping over for a night, the sailors load additional barrels of goods from Minea to be sold at the Great Market.

The rest of the time then was fighting the winds to make their way back to the northeast now towards where Argos lay. As passengers, they were asked to stay out of the way as this was the most difficult part of the journey, with respect to finding favorable winds.

---

November 5, 313

Finally, they approached the great city of Argos, where Poseidon himself - in large statue form complete with trident and flanked by two horses - welcomed them as the ship sailed into the harbor. Bright blue banners flew over the harbor, emblazoned with symbol of a golden fish, symbol of Argon the Proud, who was King of Argos.

The city itself appeared from a distance to be quite different in character from Thena. It was smaller, to be sure, but the homes and other buildings they see are quite beautiful and exuded wealth. The Argoseans loved the sea, and private boats, both fishing but also yachts,  lounged in the great harbor, enjoying the protection of a impressive military fleet patrolling the waters. This fleet blew anyway anything they they had ever seen in Thena.

Upon their approach, two of the blue-sailed ships come and move into a pattern to escort their merchant ship into the harbor. As the party climbs to the deck to watch, they are warned by the sailors not to, at any point, jump into the sea to swim to the docks or even around the boat. "We had a boy try that once. We were waiting for our turn to dock, the sun was blazing hot, and he wanted to swim. They shot him dead in the water and fined us for violation of the law. The Argoseans are crafty merchants, but they abide no trespassers or rulebreakers."

Another warning also provided: "Do not openly flaunt your magics, should you know any. Healing is one thing, they honor Asclepius most of all, save for Poseidon and Hermes, and the priests of all Gods are welcomed, but other magics are viewed with far more hostility then you'll receive in Thena or Heraklia."

After waiting what seemed an eternity, their ship is finally escorted to their docking area, where the captain pays a small fee, and the group watches as city guards board and inspect the goods on the ship. Not so much caring for them though, fortunately, after being told they were simply passengers to the city. Finally, they are given the all clear and you are free to leave.

The captain wishes you well as you depart the ship. telling you that they will be in town for the next few days before heading back to Thena.

---

They are now free to move about the city. It was still early enough in the day to beeline it straight to the Temple of Asclepius, if they wish, though it lay on the city's eastern edge. The Great Market, which was closest to them on the city's southern edge and just inland from the docks, was a draw for almost anybody visiting the town, and around the market itself were numerous inns, taverns, and other sights, if they had a mind to travel. It would be unlikely that they could visit any of the Nobility here without invitation, which lay on the hill dominating the city's center, having no prior connection with the Noble houses here.

Where would they go?
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:15, Mon 19 Oct 2020.

Dionae heeded the captains warning and since she's an acrobat took some party funds for a suitable costume leaning, outfit, and a cup for coins with the symbol of Apollo (to honor her work and those powers) and each Muse of wood. The needy will get most minus her needs for bed, food and some props. And a bag to carry these in.

She will work and move around to study the city, honoring the divine powers her rare powers not used - but a deity could be about if she has to go using them. A worst case scenario of course.

She'll be sure her friends are met.

November 1, 313

Boarding the ship quickly, and glad to be able to set sail and begin their journey Tancea doesn't quite abandon the discussion, but doesn't seem to keen on it.   ”Hired spears may be a good idea, if we get into a fight, but they can also be a problem if they are working for the wrong reasons.”

Each day she finds a few of the most significantly injured crew members, mostly from old injuries, and draws upon her divine gifts to heal them.  Restoring seasoned sailors to a level of health they haven't enjoyed in years or in some cases decades quickly draws in the others and before the journey is over she has somehow found the time, and power, to heal dozens of them.  While severed limbs stay lost many who's lives were saved long ago by that brutal yet effective tradition of maritime medicine have at least their health and comfort back in a way that few but the most fortunate ever do.

---

November 5, 313

Healing a few more of the less badly injured, or younger and generally more healthy, crew as a way to distract herself from the now very annoying extra delay in making landfall Tancea is already in a rush before they are cleared by the customs agents.  She manages to whisper to anyone not going with her right away before departing.  ”I will proceed immediately to the temple, if you or the others want to check in with other local resources or find some trustworthy spears meet me at the temple when you are done but I won't be delayed any more than absolutly necessary.”

 " Mercenaries? I counsel against such. To begin, we are not citizens of this city. Such as we seeking to hire freespears might cause the powers that be, to come to the wrong conclusions. That, and such are not to be trusted, as coin  is thier only motivation." Said the nobleman.

 Lysander thought a moment, then continued.  "We have need of additional members trained in martial matters,obviously. I think it would be better for you and I to approach your temple,  and inform them of our quest. Then see if they have a temple guard or two to lend us. If that is not possible, then they might guide us to fellow worshipers  willing to join us, that know weapons."

Stavos clears his throat, "As I said, I'm a physician. I should head to the temple straight away, in any event, being new in town. They might be more wiling to talk to a strange physician than a strange nobleman... and if I don't go, they might take it amiss if they thought I was trying to compete with them. Priests can be...prickly."

Dysis was more than passingly familiar with Argos.  Though born Thenian, it was here where she had ended up, after her father and the faction he belonged to had been exposed and convicted.   And it was here she had endured being a servant for some years. And been tutored in the occult; prevailing prejudice against it notwithstanding, by a master who practiced in secret.

For all their professed civility and compassion, there was sometimes a hypocritical streak in Argosian society she found contemptible.    But it was neither here not there.

"Lysandros makes a fair point as regards recruiting.  I like it.  Let's see if they do offer.   I too shall go." It was a statement, not a request.  "I'm a student of human nature.  And I'd like to meet those who would assign us this quest.  I accept no work without getting a sense of who I'm performing it for.  And though Ascelpius implies honesty and benevolence, any tree may have its rotten apple."   

Dionae grabbed a handful of the party's shared coin and took off towards the market initially to get what she needed in terms of a suitable outfit and begins to move around the city, pausing occasionally to entertain groups of people in terms performing, doing fairly well at attracting interest and moving with enough flips or other athletic prowess to impress and get back some of the money she had spent.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group left the docks departed to the east towards the Temple of Asclepius, attempting to keep Tancea in their line of sight as she moved at a clipped pace. Finally, after about fifteen or so minutes or fast walking they approach the grounds of the Temple of Asclepius.

The Temple, like many others in Argos (and Thena) was well cared for and looked after by the priests, priestesses, and those in their employ. However, unlike other temples or shines of Asclepius throughout the land this essentially had its own district in Argos. The grounds were not only well tended by gardeners, but contained many medicinal plants, such as milkweed, that the holy men and women would use in tending to the sick and infirm. Here, one could stroll through the garden path in private conversation or just simply sit on a bench and watch the birds or insects.

Additionally, the temple had fine marble dormitories located throughout its spacious ground, housing both the sick and the dispossessed who would come from all over the lands. One set of dormitories were where students quartered as they studied under the tutelage of a lay priest, typically for many years and if somebody was watching during the day it was common to see groups of the students following one such priest or priestess who would engage in lectures amongst a host of subjects.

The main grounds themselves was where the party now stood. Immediately in front of them was a hot spring, sacred to Asclepius, of which was used in treatment of the sick. It was tended to by one of the temple's caretakers at all times who would ward off those who would foolishly try to climb in or otherwise take the water without permission.

Then, up a set of marble stairs lay the main temple where a statute of Asclepius sat on marble throne, one hand outstretched to welcome those to arrived, the other holding onto the Asclepius, a singular serpent-entwined rod. At his feet lay offerings, food, coins, other items left by pilgrims and those seeking divine healing that even the priests and priestesses could not provide.

Arriving thus in the main foyer, Tancea's attire immediately gives her away as a practitioner, as well as the drive and determination in which her and the other party members move such that they are not challenged by the temple guards who typically stopped those who approached to ascertain their purpose. Though before reaching the statue they are approached by one of the priests who had spotted them, a tall thin man who carries a caduceus and who wears a simple white robe. "Greetings and Good Health, friends." he says with bow of his head. "I am Floros, lay priest of the Divine Asclepius. What brings you to his temple today?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:21, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

Although more than a little bit out of breath after leading the fast paced trip across town Tancea doesn't take but a moment before she answers Floros' question.

Leaning a bit more heavily on the staff she always has with her than normally, a staff that looks quite a lot like the rod in the statue's hand when looked at next to it. ”I am Tancea, Priestess of Asclepius from the temple in Delphi although I was somewhat closer when I received your plea for aid a few days ago and fortunately able to made great haste to bring you the assistance you require.”

Dysis stood silent during this interchange.   Her intent to speak little, and to look and listen much. Leaving the address to Tancea, the nobles, the physician; all better suited to deal with the Ascelpian priesthood.   She much doubted much they had any capacity to sense what she was - a spell weaver who wasn't weaving was much as any other mortal.    As well, girded about her waist was still the golden belt of Apollo. Amongst other things, a detail that misled from what from she truly was.

Dionae went to the temple to w entertain the sick and be a friendly face to talk with them. The oldest medicine is compassion a in virtue lacking and not being human is amusing.

Arthanos stretched as he stood on the dock and looked around. His ship had made good time, and the captain figured they should have caught the boat the others had traveled on. Bowing his head slightly and turning towards the ocean, he offered a quick prayer.

"Thank you Neptune for allowing me quick and safe travel," he says, then turns back to face the sprawling city before him.

"I'm going to need every bit of wits for finding them in this..." he mutters, sending a mental prayer to Athena for clear thinking. He knew they said they were heading to the temple of Asclepius so that would be the place to start.

Setting off, he moved calmly through the city, asking the occasional direction before reaching the building. Seeing the guards, he veered towards them.

"Excuse me, would you be able to tell me if some friends of mine came through? I'm trying to catch up with them." he queries, hoping he hasn't missed them.

While the guards aren't able to tell Arthanos about his friends, having not seen them (or saying that they hadn't seen them anyway) they do point him in direction of the temple of Asclepius and so the noble begins to head in that direction.

Meanwhile, Dionae was trying to make her way down towards that part of the town as well, though not being familiar with this city as she had been with Thena, she is somewhat delayed. As she walks down one residential street that happened to be empty at the moment she gets a strange sensation of being followed. Whenever she stopped walking she could hear footsteps behind her stop as well, which would also pick up again as she continued to walk. It could be a coincidence, but her senses told her that it was intentional.

Dionae, I rolled a perception check for you which was successful.

---

While all this is happening, at the temple itself Floros had initially been confused by what Tancea meant by assistance, saying that they had not called out for any additional healers and he was unaware of any transfers, but once being made aware of what the party's actual purpose is, suggests they follow him inside to where they can meet more comfortably.

Serving them herbal tea in one of the rooms off the main foyer, he gets down to business. "The theft is an unusual one. Several weeks ago now somebody had broken into the vaults underneath this temple and took the Rod of Asclepius. What is unusual is that they could have taken any number of other magical artifacts but they specifically took the Rod, which itself has no magical or arcane powers. It is just simply a symbol of our deity."

He shakes his head sadly. "I have suspected that perhaps Heirax the Churgeon had something to do with this, but every time we have sent somebody to check in on him he's nowhere to be found."

"Unfortunately, other than that I don't have any other leads."

---

It is about this time as the party is speaking with Floras that Arthanos is arriving at the temple, making his inquiries with the guards, he is told that they are meeting Floras, and is escorted to where they are meeting with him shortly thereafter.

Glad to follow Floras into the temple, indeed clearly relieved simply by setting foot into the building perhaps even energized by the presence of its divine patron.  Settling into the room she accepts some of the tea as their host provides what information he can about the situation, it doesn't take long before her keen whit presents her with a follow up question to ask.

”We will no doubt want to inspect the vaults ourselves for just that sort of lead, but before we do that what can you tell us about Heirax and why you would suspect a Churgeon of such nefarious activity?”

Not wanting to shapeshift but here it could be dangerous so she looks for someplace a home, patrolling guards or another location. She has options at least.

Arthanos follows the guards into the temple, finally spotting some familiar figures. Thanking them, he wanders up to Dysis.

"Hi Dysis, what have I missed?"

She smiled slightly, but in welcome of a familiar face, "Welcome back, Arthanos," she said in a soft tone, so as not to interrupt the conversation in progress.  "This temple has had an important, if powerless, relic thieved from its vaults.  A certain person seems to be suspect, and Tancea is inquiring why he is."    She shrugged.

"It seemed a better option to me than trekking a minotaur's maze, or facing flying, man-eating things."   

Mostly keeping to herself on the ship Danae spent much of her time either watching the waves on the deck or studying books on Argos.  Upon their arrival she transitioned to studying by looking around, and listening to conversations around her, but stayed wrapped up in her own thoughts nonetheless.  Reading old forgotten inscriptions on walls as they passed them, finding delight in the subtle curve of an arch they pass under that describes the era in which it was made, even stopping by a stall in the market or two for a moment to inspect their wild claims of authenticity for rocks that most certainly were not ancient artifacts.

The temple itself draws her attention long before the group even gets close to it, the general shape of the building clearly designed to stand out even to the layman is a marvel to behold for those with an eye for the details, and the others have long since looked it over and moved on before she even realizes something else may be happening. Having kept walking with the group, but completely absorbed by admiring the temple, she pulls herself from her thoughts when Tancea speaks. She keeps nearby Tancea and Floros, listening to their conversation but staying silent. Joining them inside she accepts some tea, smiling in thanks,  and lets herself admire the inside, taking care to not lose focus on her surroundings.
“What else can you tell us about the rod? Is it valuable, or particularly old or rare perhaps?“

Stavos clears his throat, "It's a symbol of the church. That gives it a certain value beyond gold. If all the thief wanted with gold a lot more would have been stolen. No, this is about power and politics."

"Yeah...finding a lost relic sounds easy, but so did our last mission. At least with the minotaurs or flying creatures, we know what would try to eat us." Arthanos replies to Dysis, memories of the tunnels and darkness once again going through his mind.

Sighing to himself and shaking his head to clear the memories, he shifts to focus on the priest and the conversation. He didn't recognize the two who spoke, but their points were good.

"I wouldn't rule out gold completely. I've seen some of the junk the great families of Thena have on display. What most may consider worthless, others consider beyond value." Arthanos adds, "And why exactly was it locked away?"