It is day in the valleys of Sughd, and the Chrysanthemum Grove of Yitri where you live is filled with the humming and sounds of cicadas flexing their tymbals, and occasional buzzing of bees swooping past the forest air through which bright rays of light pierce the leaf covered ground to form puddles of sunlight.

You find yourself at the bar counter of Klusklus' tavern, where much of the other pixies, not busy gathering berries or hunting stray aphid-men who wander unknowingly into the territory of the tree-homes, make their repast and partake Klusklus' popular brew of mead.

One patron you realise is an unfamiliar sight particularly this early in the morning is Stablemaster Tylfi who slouches sadly at a darker corner of the bar counter drinking mead. Judging from the two empty crystal mugs on the table, it seems that he's been drinking quite a lot.

Klusklus stands beyond the counter stealing glances at Tylfi, looking visibly awkward while he polishes his crystal mugs with a piece of silk cloth. When he notices your presence he makes a sigh of relief and greets you.

"Morning Myll, what will it be for you? A bowl of Jujubes? Dried Hawthorn?"

Entering Kluklus Tavern, Myll notes the presence on Stablemaster Tylfr, who's uncharacteristic demeanour, prompts a slight furrow to toy with Myll's brow.Well met Masters Kluklus and Tylfr. How fare Thee both this day, one that wouldst be all the better with either a bowl of Jujubes or Dried Hawthorn. beams Myll. Wouldst Thee both care to partake. she offers
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 2):

"What? Me too? But I own..." Klusklus falters for a second before waving his hand and turning about to his cabinets. "Wait... never mind. Alright, three plates of dried hawthorne it is. That'll be a silver piece. Thank you very much...."

While Klusklus prepares the dried hawthorne, Tylfi on the other hand just nods to himself a few times, mumbling, while taking another sip from his mug. It seems that he doesn't even notice that he's being spoken to.

Eventually Klusklus returns with three plates, he places them in front of Tylfir and beckons you to the darker part of the tavern counter.

"Pretty generous today aren't you Myll... did you meet with a windfall recently?" Klusklus asks you, trying to stir up conversation perhaps to cheer up the nearby Tylfi.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:25, Tue 04 May 2021.

Myll gave Kluklus a mixed hesitant/apologetic smile, then chins in the direction of Stablemaster Tyfl. Master Tyfl doth appear to beith in poor spirits. Ast it be impertinent of me to presume an acquaintance. Onest thought mayhap that we couldst affordeth Master Tyfl some moral support.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 4):

Klusklus nods after your speech.

"But as you see there is no cheering up this stableman. Especially one who's lost all his work overnight! Oy! Tylfi are you with us?"

Tylfi looks up at Klusklus for a few moments, blinks twice, and then looks back down again making a sigh.

"He's been like since dawn. Though I doubt he'll be better anytime soon. Beetle herding be difficult and I guess one builds a closeness with them beetles with time. Still, it escapes me why the Rhino Beetles would all disappear like that. And what's even stranger is that all the eggs were destroyed too!"

Tylfi shudders and a tear rolls down his fat red cheeks as he hears about the eggs.

"Another mead... please..." Tylfi mumbles after which Klusklus almost immediately places a new mug of mead on the counter as though he had prepared for it in advance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Wed 05 May 2021.

Myll was concerned by the comment. Moving closer to the Stablemaster. Master Tylfi be there Beetle tracks leading away from the pens. Or signs of disturbances.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 6):

"...My little rhinos flew... they flew all the way to the southwest... but where exactly I know not... but there are few flowers and treesap for them to drink... I hope they don't starve...."

Tylfi replies worriedly in between swigs of mead.

"Surely you don't intend on going there Myll? It's a lost cause I say... Even if you do find them I doubt they'd even want to return if they have lost their mind so much as to go to such a rocky place..."

Klusklus speaks, to which Tylfi sobs again and weakly places rests his empty mug on the counter.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 7):

Myll hadn't considered that but Master Kluskus's comment prompted a thought. Mystal Thee wouldst consider leading an expedition to recover Thy Rhinos...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 8):

Klusklus blinks speechlessly at your reply, as does Tyfli.

"Myll... You don't have to do it for me... God knows what lurks out in those rocky parts...!" Tyfli exclaims.

"Well I hope you haven't gone as insane as those Rhino Beetles!" Klusklus too expresses his surprise.

There is suddenly a lot of muttering amongst the tavern crowd following your remark. You notice especially some of younger tavern goers stealing glances at you, their fiery glittering eyes overflowing with interest and excitement at perhaps the mention of adventure that would free them from the day to day idyll of the Yitri treehomes.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 9):

Myll's brows furrow slightly in surprised by her own comment... The scent of mead, from the collection of tankers clustered on the table near Tyfli wafting over her, prompting an involuntarily hichiccup. Mylls hand clasps the mouth as she glances at the Masters apologetically. After a short time Myll thanked a pronounced swallow, her suggestion has progressed and has been welcome. Look in about the room Myll motions for any interested to gather around.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Thu 06 May 2021.