Idrianthe elected to stay behind, taking Harai up on the offer to visit the library. There she had found a couple of tomes to read on the balcony, and was so engrossed she dismissed her summons in fear she wouldn't be able to finish them at a later point. It was a serene setting, albeit a chilly one, gazing out upon Luskan and the rolling hills of the Savage North on one side and the Sea of Swords on the other. The first book she had found was on the history of the Sessrendale region before the Sessrendale war. The other and by for the more interesting of the two was on the March of the Black Horde, the largest gathering of Orcs in recorded history, who laid devastation to countless settlements in both the North and south. Though she barely remembered it, Idrianthe had been there.

Once outside after it was clear Vellynne would not be coming along, Harai and Mallory discovered a misunderstanding – the guard they had scheduled to be ready tomorrow to escort Mallory was ready now. Though only certain members of the Brotherhood had made it a point to bring an escort along when venturing out in the city, Harai not being one of them, he instructed the young mustachioed man to come along anyway and presented his pin when he wasn't recognized. The Saru had taken the form of an exotic but wrinkled man with a wispy gray beard. "I apologize if you'd rather prefer the cohort of a comely gentleman. Though I may only be a measly fifty-five years old," he had explained to Mallory, "it is indeed old for a Saru, and I prefer to look my age. You may still refer to me as Harai."

The streets of Luskan was different to the pristine, ebony beauty of the Host Tower. Just on the intermediary island the true, utilitarian architecture of the City of Sails was laid bare – an uneven stone tower with a red conical roof, adjoined by square barracks. It was a far cry from the graceful carpentry of Silverymoon, or the boastful masonry of the Dwarves in Mirabar just upstream. The buildings surrounding the markets were not much different. Even the Ruins of Illusk was blanch in this season.

The ships, on the other hand, visible at both the southern and northern harbors, were as splendid as they came. A large frigate bearing the head of a red dragon on its sails stood out amid a variety of merchant ships – some from Waterdeep, some from Amn, and even one from Calimshan. Although it was now evening and the sun had set, the docks were busy with sailors transporting crates and hoisting ropes, preparing to voyage on the morrow.

The Ghostly Minstrel was a prominent tavern in what was the prominent Tavern Row adjacent the Market. Close by were a deliberate arrangement of shops – Rasor's Weapons, the Bull and Bear Armory, Ebbert's Outfitters, Myraeth's Oddities, Saches Clothiers, and the Row Bathhouse. Going by the noticeboard, this was the premiere place for job-seeking adventurers in town.

The guard was instructed to wait outside. Inside, the Ghostly Minstrel was divided into two sections, one was the alehouse while the other a restaurant. The people here, which were mainly Humans, seemed to be decently clad and behaved. Harai and Mallory was seated at a more secluded table for two and handed an assorted menu consisting mainly of sea dishes. Harai forewent it all in favor of a frittata and herbs. "My one gripe with the Sword Coast," Harai said in a low voice after the wench had left, "is that you never serve insects here. Is it too much to ask for some Larvaes or Caterpillars?" He leaned back and chuckled quietly. "I forget myself. I shall stop speaking, lest I ruin your appetite."
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:35, Mon 04 Dec 2023.

Like Harai, Mallory had chosen to adopt a more inconspicuous appearance for the sake of their trek into the city.  As much as she could manage, at least; her illusory magics had always been geared toward demonstration or mental conditioning over practical visual displays.  The best she could manage on short notice was to use a simple trick to shift her striking red jacket to a drab brown hue.  It wasn't much - especially considering she remained a well-dressed, dark-haired beauty accompanied by companion and guard alike - but it was at least a token effort to keep eyes from being instantly drawn to her, at the very least.

As they headed out into Luskan proper, Mallory allowed a leisurely interest to take her as she examined the surrounding city for its small eccentricities.  She looked forward to seeing it properly in the daylight.  What truly held her, however, was the coastal air itself.  She lingered for a moment along their trek to simply stare out over the ocean and take a long, deep breath of salty sea air.  It made her ache for home in a way she'd been able to ignore somewhat prior.  To boot, she'd grown so accustomed to the perpetual twilight and storm clouds of Icewind Dale's situation that having clear, open skies was almost startling.  Despite it all, her thoughts drifted not only to her family further south, but her companions further north... she had no idea how either was doing and thus gave a quick, inward prayer to Tymora for their good fortune and safety.

The Ghostly Minstrel was a pleasant change of atmosphere in and of itself.  A far cry better from the squalor of even the nicest inns in Ten-Towns, that was for certain, and being among a more civilized crowd made Mallory feel at ease.  An actual, proper restaurant!  That, and the variety of stores she'd seen on the way in, made the young noble feel pampered for choice in a way that she would've totally ignored a few months prior.  Being in the absolute boonies of the frigid north really had given her a shift in perspective on such matters.  It also made her utterly crave dishes she had no chance of finding further north, as she happily ordered the bouillabaisse and a salad with - as she strongly emphasized - 'as many fresh greens and citruses as one can reasonably manage in a bowl'.

"I forget myself. I shall stop speaking, lest I ruin your appetite."

"Everyone is entitled to their own tastes.  Personally, I've always preferred the texture of giant pillbugs over caterpillars.  Grasshoppers caramelized in soy sauce are quite lovely as snacks, too.  The saltiness and crunch are rather addictive." Mallory didn't bat an eye on the subject of insect-based cuisine.  "All the more reason you should journey south to Neverwinter when you have the opportunity.  As one of the biggest major trading hubs in all of Faerun, the city is a grand melting pot of different cultures and imports; giant insects from Chult are very popular.  There's always a handful of vendor carts that open right on the docks to buy, cook, and sell grilled arachnid skewers or fry up fresh bowls of spiced worms as soon as the sailors unload them.

I've always cherished the idea of being able to explore other cultures and their quite-literal tastes.  You can learn so much about people by what and how they eat.  And my home city is not the least bit lacking in variety with its inhabitants."

Meanwhile, as the two conversed and enjoyed the ambiance of the bustling restaurant, Astre quietly popped into existence just beneath Mallory's chair.  The Tressym glanced about the room, his sharp eyes scanning around and taking in the scenery, before he gently tucked down to settle in place like a silent, fluffy sentinel.

---

Astre - Perception; keeping his senses sharp for anything of note or potential trouble.
Mallory Bonheur rolled 20 using 1d20+5

Astre - Stealth to remain inconspicuous
Mallory Bonheur rolled 20 using 1d20+4

Similarly, once food is served, Astre will keep within poison-detecting range as usual.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

A bemused laugh escaped Harai. He was more than happy Mallory hadn't outright dismissed his frankly exotic tastes. "If I could choose, I'd have a healthy colony of Ants to feast upon. Or perhaps some Lice. I'd ask some of the sailors, but I don't think that would go over well."

It didn't take long for the food to arrive, and when it did it was, by most measurements, serviceable. It wasn't the finest dining Mallory was likely to ever experience, but her dish was at least fashioned by a competent cook. Not all inns and taverns could boast such a feat.

---

Astre's Perception check to sense anything amiss [20]: No hints of trouble showed itself either inside or outside of the tavern. There were a few shady people here and there, but that was true of nearly any town, even ones as small as Bryn Shander.

Nor were there any poison in his Mistress' drink or food.

---

"It's good to be wary, but you needn't worry about being watched, nor that any harm should befall you," Harai said as he cut into some mangos he was delighted to have been served. "The Brotherhood is watching you, spying on you, as is customary with new prospects. I am that spy. There was a time when it sought only to bolster its number, often with reckless abandon, and both the Host and Sea Towers were overflowing with budding arcanists. It quite frequently resulted in spectacular firework both literal and metaphorical. The Brotherhood once had, nearly a century ago now, a proper stranglehold on Luskan, even staffing and overseeing entry at the Gates. No legislation was passed without the approval of the Brotherhood. I am sure you're familiar with our rather draconian reputation.

But that is a bygone time. Our current relationship with Luskan more reciprocal. We are, however, as much a political organization as we are one arcane. The High Captains wouldn't readily accept the Brotherhood back in without some assurances and guarantees, and certainly not if it meant ceding control. As you can image, our reach is therefor currently quite limited. There has been some interest, sure," he took a bite of his fruit before continuing, "but some among our ranks I have been . . . less than fond of, though I'll bite my tongue on the matter."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:07, Fri 26 Jan.

Mallory tittered softly over Harai's wit and, as food was soon served, gathered her flatware with such eagerness that she nearly forgot her table manners.  She did hesitate a moment before actually partaking though - long enough for Astre to properly report on his review - yet readily partook with obvious relish after.  The salad, bread, nor bouillabaisse compared to the taste of home, but after weeks of eating travel rations or the overly-salted cured fish and hard meats of Icewind Dale, they were a decadence by comparison.  Fresh, leafy greens were a balm for her soul and stomach alike.

When Harai gently brought Astre's presence to notice without saying so explicitly, Mallory offered a gently apologetic nod.  "Please don't take it personally; it's simply a matter of my upbringing. I am a noblewoman and heiress, after all.  Since childhood, hardly a scrap of food or sip of drink has passed my lips without first passing scrutiny." she canted her head just so to indicate the ashen-furred Tressym tucked in a crouch beneath her chair.  Such creatures were a genuine rarity so far west of Cormyr, but they weren't unheard of amid the nobility who could afford such mischievous beasts for both their beauty and their protective capabilities.  To be a noble of any rank was to constantly worry of spies or poisons from one's peers, after all.  "My grandfather insists, and this little one is clever enough to tattle on me if I do otherwise."

Further elaboration on the nature and history of the Arcane Brotherhood did yield an interesting bit of dinner conversation.  Mallory was broadly aware of the organization through reputation and its known history, but getting insight from a fully-invested member was always a delightful opportunity.  "Coming from a merchant family, I can sympathize to a degree.  If one tries to integrate too much into the surrounding government, you get bogged down in their affairs and oversight.  But if you internalize and detach from them to foster your own interests, they start getting nervous and poking their noses in where they don't belong." the young noble shook her head pityingly.  It was the same of any major organization, really, be it arcane, mercantile, religious, or political.  Managing it all was a fine, difficult balance to maintain.  "Personally, I have little interest in the expansion of power beyond what's absolutely necessary.  I'd much rather make my trade in my crafting and enchantments, and be happy with that."

The young noble paused a moment to sip at her table wine.  Decent, she figured, and settled to be happy with that.  She didn't hesitate to alter the flavor of the meager wines further north with a simple cantrip, but knew better than to do so anywhere moderately civilized for fear of insulting the restaurant.  "I don't imagine the Brotherhood ever fully uprooting from Luskan..." she rolled her eyes a bit at herself when she realized her own unintentional pun "...but there does seem to be quite a bit of interest in Icewind Dale of late.  At least if Madame Harpell's project is any indication.  Is her work purely a personal project, or does the Brotherhood intend to follow in her wake and establish a foothold further north?  I daresay the political structure of Ten-Towns would be far more compliant to the Brotherhood's will."  Mallory was unsure of exactly how much information Vellynne trusted Harai with, or if antics and fates of the likes of Dzaan, Avarice, and Lantomir were a known matter among the rest of the Brotherhood.  Thus she chose her words carefully, not wanting to unveil too much of Vellynne's affairs.

Harai appeared hesitant to answer Mallory's question, thinking it through for a few moments. "The Brotherhood doesn't have an interest in the Ten-Towns," he eventually said. "Vellynne named another Enclave – Thulanthar. While it is a story for another time, the challenges it presented have played and continue to play a vital part in the Brotherhood's resurrection. Some very influential individuals have been involved. Ythryn is a big focus for many in our organization currently, and the four Spires have launched a sort of 'competition'. A highly unproductive and frankly childish approach, as far as I'm concerned."

Mention of Thultanthar raised Mallory's brows a bit, though rather than comment aloud she just gave a conceding shrug and continued to sip at her soup in her usual demure manner.  Unlike Ythryn, finding Thultanthar wasn't a challenge... so much as finding what was left of it, she figured.

"I agree - members of the same organization should be unified, not nipping at each others' heels.  But, well... wizards." Mallory had to give a bit of undeniable self-deprecation on that front.  Such was the nature of arcanists, herself included; even the most congenial of casters had some level of self-interest in mind at all times.

Mallory reached out to gently drag her fingertip across the table between the two of them as she gently scrawled a symbol onto the wooden surface.  A trio of crook-like lines in succession.  "I do hate to natter on about work during leisure time, but so long as we're on the subject of Ythyrn: do you recognize this symbol?  I found it on a bit of debris lodged into the ice alongside the Spire." she let Harai have the chance to examine the symbol as he needed to but, once he was finished, gestured and cleared away the magically-conjured symbol without leaving a mark behind.  No need to go annoying the restaurant owner with arcane graffiti, after all.

"We recovered quite a bit from the Spire; while I doubt the majority of it is of any interest to Madame Harpell, I personally find it all delightful.  I managed to tote out five whole tomes of instructional and casual literature, in their original Loross!  First editions!  One is a collection of casual personal interviews of popular Netherese archmagi and their thoughts on various magical inventions of the time.  The veiled gossip in their commentary is delightful." Mallory was, as ever, a ravenous bookworm and quite enthused with the subject.  "Oh~!  There's another that's a wonderfully dry biography of the Netherese wizards Ioulam, Dace, and Decampus!  I haven't finished it yet, though I'm curious to see why the biographer chose that particular trio given their drastically different histories and reputations.  I may donate a few to Candlekeep for the sake of building bridges, but I'm absolutely keeping several as wonderful additions for my personal library back home."

---

Mallory uses Prestidigitation to produce a rendering of the symbol on the Shield Guardian Amulet, as supplied in the original post it was acquired - Lost Spire of Netheril thread, post 112: https://i.imgur.com/cTbSCfR.jpeg
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Sun 10 Dec 2023.

"Hmm," Harai hummed as he studied the Prestidigitation, adjusting his glasses to better view it. "I am not familiar, I am afraid. If it is from Ythryn it is perhaps better left to Madame Vellynne to answer."

On the topic of books, he clearly shared Mallory's enthusiasm. It was only natural, as he was penning one himself. "A peculiar selection indeed. Both Ioulam and Decampus were known throughout the Realms so their pairing is only natural. But unless I am mistaken, Dace was only considered a middling arcanist despite having quite a few spells to his name. Perhaps the author had their reasons. Ytrhyn is a strange, strange Enclave, however, and its motivations were often mercurial."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Fri 15 Dec 2023.

"Ioulam is a naturally running thread through all events of the Netherese Empire, given his power and role within their society, so his inclusion is no surprise.  Dace had some notable accomplishments in spell craft, but he was most well-known for both his piety to Mystryl and his efforts to develop life-extending potions through alchemy.  Decampus stands out as an oddity in the trio.  From what I've read of her history, she was well-reputed as a wandering bard and a woman of the people rather than of the lofty echelons of Neth society that Ioulam and Dace occupied." Mallory mulled aloud while she stirred a bit of her soup about in idle speculation.  "It is rumored that both Dace and Decampus met their ends at the hands of jealous Netherese noblility through sabotage and assassination.  But each of them lived and died centuries apart from one another.  I wonder if the author of this book speculates foul play and conspiracy tied to Ioulam's court?  Or perhaps Ioulum encountered each of the arcanists personally during his own travels before he broadly vanished from public awareness prior to the Fall of Netheril?  There's no clear connection I could imagine myself, so I'm keen to see where the writing goes."

The young noble couldn't help but laugh at herself a bit as she realized how she was prattling on.  It felt nice to be able to speak with someone at length on academic matters, even if it really was little more than gossiping about an interesting book.  She found herself dearly missing Dannika and wondering how her friend was doing back north just then.  Hopefully well and out of trouble, rather than chasing Chwinga out into the blizzards.

"Perhaps it may be odd for a witch such as myself, but I so often find history to be a more fascinating subject over actual spells when speaking of arcanists in ages past.  There's so much to learn of the people behind the legends when one looks at their situations rather than just their feats." she tore off a bit of bread to sop up her savory soup with and nibble at before she continued.  "But here I am going on at length while you're being so wonderfully patient with me.  What of yourself, Harai?  Have your studies on Wild Magic been an all-consuming subject for you, or do you have other topics that hold your interest as well?  Or do you know anything interesting of the other Spires of Ythryn?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Fri 15 Dec 2023.

"We approach this with different perspectives, it seems," Harai said when Mallory presented her own theories on the tome. "Both Ioulam and Decampus were hugely influential in their own right, so if one is only interested in the history I can glean the angle. I haven't read the book, however," he added, finding himself outwitted on the matter. "Although, should you decide so, I am certain it would be welcomed by whomever you donate it to."

When the conversation turned to his own endeavors, Harai had mostly finished his own bowl and sipped on his mug of wine. He didn't often indulge, finding wine somewhat unpalatable, but now did so mostly for appearances' sake. "Wild Magic has taken up a lot of my time, yes. My time at Starmantle, however, were both among my most informative and challenging years. I pioneered some research on Plaguechanged Undead as there were quite a few still lingering and helped the population deal with them. I learned a lot on the Wailing Years and the Wild Magic surges resulting from the Spellplague that threatened much of Faerûn. It also inevitably led me to study the Shadow Deep and Elgrin Fay, Starmantle's analogous city, within it. I said earlier that it was because of my expertise in Wild Magic that the Brotherhood decided to involve me, but my secondary function was to supplement their knowledge on the Shadowfell." He mulled over his words for a few short moments, his creased mouth still moving like an Orangutans. It was as if he wanted to say more, but was unsure of how to say it, and when he then spoke, it was with an apprehensive sigh. "There are some not-so-pretty moments in my life, Lady Mallory. A few of them happened in Starmantle. While I truly do cherish my time there, there certain memories I'd rather soon forget."

Mallory already intended to have copies made of those books she recovered from The Spire; it would be a shame for their contents to remain solely in her collection.  Thus she made a mental note to commission a few for Harai as well, so they could perhaps discuss the subjects contained within in greater depth later.  If she was lucky, perhaps she'd gained a new pen pal!

Mention of Harai's studies into the Plaguechanged, however, brought a bit of darkness across Mallory's expression that even her well-mannered demeanor couldn't quite hide.  Her beloved home of Neverwinter had suffered an immense outbreak of Plaguechanged ghouls and ash zombies following the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Hotenow.  The actual event was before her time, certainly, but the destruction and death it inflicted upon the citizens echoed still.  Mallory herself had grown up knowing that The Wall constructed around that terrible Chasm, and the brave Neverwinter Guard who manned its heights, were the only things holding back the undead incursions.  It had been a great relief when the Chasm had finally been sealed just a few years prior and The Wall demolished at long last, but... some old fears and worries never went away, really.

"Ah... I understand.  Please, don't put yourself to any trouble." Mallory gently assured Harai when he spoke of old, not-entirely-healed wounds from his experiences in Starmantle.  She didn't speak of her own related woes for worry of bringing the mood down and instead pivoted to a different topic.  "What about Luskan, then?  What do you like to do for fun around here when you're not in your work?  I'm going to be exploring and gathering supplies tomorrow, so what's your recommendation?"

"I seldom venture out of the Tower, I'm afraid," Harai answered. "When I do it is mostly to survey the Market. And while on the topic of books, there is often a Elvish merchant on the corner there peddling them. Nothing too special – and certainly not ancient Netherese tomes – but I managed to purchase an early edition copy of 'A Dove at Dawn', a rather liberal but amusing detailing of the Lady Dove Falconhand, and one on the behavior of insects. I've also seen a Human with some interesting trinkets at the Market on occasion. Otherwise I highly encourage you to visit Colmarr's. He can be a bit eccentric, but he certainly has an interest in the peculiar."

"The eccentric ones are generally the best." Mallory hummed approvingly on the notion as she gently dabbed around the edges of her mouth with her napkin.  "I actually came across a rather novel shop in Caer-Dineval, of all places.  An elderly gentleman named Culver apparently turned the fruits of his many travels into a business endeavor, and he had such a wonderful assortment of oddities.  I bought a lovely Dragonchess set - a replica 1371 Avatar - from him that I've unfortunately not had the chance to try.  My companions further north are all wonderful people, but I fear none of them have the inclination for strategy games."

That was a bit of an unfair assumption, Mallory realized after a moment.  Perhaps Squire Kumalo would appreciate the tactical, multi-layered structure of Dragonchess.  Rhydd and Farwalker, though?  She doubted it.  Rhydd would surely not have the patience for a lengthy board game and Farwalker would probably get distracted carving her own game pieces before long.  Once she had a chance to reconvene with her friends, she'd have to broach the subject sometime when they weren't all slogging through the wilderness or fighting for their lives.

A different thought crossed Mallory's mind as she mulled over returning north to Icewind Dale, however.  She scowled a bit despite herself.  "Pardon the sudden shift in topic, but there's a local temple of worship for Auril, isn't there?" the young noble curiously prompted.  "Have you noticed any particular activity out of there lately?  Auril-worshippers seem very active up in Icewind Dale of late, though I find myself curious if there's any southward spread."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Sat 16 Dec 2023.

"Many here are unconcerned, numb, or downright in denial about the affairs in Icewind Dale. I expect the usual crowd to gather now that winter is very near, like the farmers and merchants, I've not heard nor seen anything or anyone unusual. Although, I assume the 'Wet Parades' have started again. The crowd who gathers at the temple nominate a few participants who are then to run around Luskan with ice-packed clothes to climb various pillars. The goal is to kiss the iron plate at the top." He shook his head in disapproval.  "When it is coldest, some die. I'm not one to question tradition, and I realize Auril is a harsh goddess wont to take lives, but I question the efficacy of such a ritual. Will a moderately milder winter really make up the sacrifice?"

"Neverwinter sees a wide variety of holiday celebrations and traditions, given the mixed population." Mallory added on note of the Wet Parades.  "There's a similar holiday event in Waterdeep which often bleeds over into Neverwinter during "Auril's Blesstide" - participants strip naked and run a marathon through the heart of the city, all the way down to the shores to be the first to dive into the frigid sea."  Though she could understand the humorous appeal of seeing such a wild sight, Mallory would never be caught dead participating.  "It's terribly popular and everyone says it's quite invigorating, but I'm far from inclined to try it myself."

Even as she spoke on frankly lighter matters, Mallory's thoughts were drawn back to Targos and her interference with the attempted sacrifice to Auril.  Her dark eyes grew troubled and a hand reached to reflexively touch the button stitched to her collar - the button eye of a particular teddy bear - as a bitterness welled inside her.  "I... I think I would like to visit the Winter Palace while I have the chance.  I'd like to speak with the priesthood there and learn what I can of their ways, for better or worse." she decided, her voice soft in the moment before she lifted her gaze back to Harai.  "The people of Ten-Towns handle their view of Auril with too much superstition and fear for their word to be reliable, and Auril's own followers that far north are too hostile to even approach.  But perhaps I can learn something of use here... their traditions and practices, perhaps, or how to reach out to those of their faith in a way that would allow for diplomacy."

"I know not who tends the temple, but I know that the Temple of Red Sails is often tended by the sailors who visit it," he offered further on the matter as he drank the last of his wine. "Albeit rather poorly. I wouldn't be surprised if the same was true for the farmers and the Winter Palace, especially when considering it's an open court and houses no clergy. But this is all when considering precedented times, so its matter of operation may very well be different now."

When it came to settling the tab, and after making certain Mallory did not want to order anything else, be it drinks or sweets, Harai firmly insisted the duty fall on him. It was only natural for the outing to be sponsored by the Brotherhood, after all. He grabbed the attention of the wench and asked for the tally as he found his pouch, tossing in a superfluous silver piece. Mallory and Harai had hardly announced their arrival, but Luskan had eyes like any other populous city and one could never know whose had followed them on their way from the Host Tower to the tavern. Furthermore, being escorted by a guard, who themself could easily be bought, was bound to draw attention. Amassing public support was an important ambition of any fledgling political institution, so Harai thought it best to be safe and maintain appearances, hence the generous vail.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:28, Wed 20 Dec 2023.

"I feel I should at least try rather than waste the opportunity." Mallory was actually a little relieved to hear there might be more common folk among the faithful rather than strictly a dedicated clergy.  But so long as there was at least one person who could speak with authority on the practices of Auril-worship, she'd consider it a success.

As the meal wrapped up, Mallory did indeed have an extra order to put in - namely a nice meat sandwich to be bundled in paper and taken with her.  But the matter of the bill got some level of gentle argument; Mallory tried to insist she should pay since the dinner had been at her invitation.  Still, in the end, Harai couldn't be budged and the young noble had to relent.  But she did at least put in an extra silver for the gratuity as well, which was sure to please their server after the two had left.

Astre, meanwhile, lingered on in the wake of his companion and her dinner partner.  Still covertly tucked under the tables and chairs as he slunk along, keeping an eye out to see if anyone was also watching Mallory or trying to follow her.

---

Mallory will pay for the cost of the extra sandwich and put in a 1 SP tip as well.  The sandwich is to be given to the guard escorting them as thanks for his patience.

Astre, meanwhile, will follow along and keep an eye on things while still maintaining Telepathy distance.  I'm assuming Mallory and Harai will be returning to the Host Tower directly rather than meandering around Luskan at night, but Astre is keeping as an extra layer of security all the same.

"Oh, my dear," Harai said after realizing Mallory wanted to purchase food for the guard as well. "You are much too good for the Brotherhood, and I am only half joking."

---

Let's put the sandwich at 1 sp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Thu 21 Dec 2023.