The sea is a bit choppy this morning.  She Nibbles My Toes rises and falls with the waves as the lot of you return to Salt Lick.

Some of you may have headaches.  Those fae really know how to throw a party.  Some of you may just be tired.  The fae apparently only know how to throw very loud parties.

Whatever your mental state, you're in a boat named She Nibbles My Toes bound for Salt Lick.

A giant turtle rises and trails the boat for a while.  None of you feel the urge to kill it.  Well.  Not a compulsion to do so at least.  The turtle seems to grow tired of no one responding to it's implied taunts and dives, leaving the lot of you alone again.

You spy Salt Lick shortly before the sun sets.  A small fishing village, tucked on to a shelf of coast.  The fishing boats are all in for the night.  Lights from cooking fires twinkle like stars.  The savory smell of goombs wafts out over the sea like a fog, reminding all your stomachs they are empty.

Some of you have things to do.  Bellinha, you should probably talk to Orus. At least tell him you're back.  And Kozibi... that merchant is supposed to be in town tomorrow.  You need to prepare for your role.

The rest of you could probably do with some shut eye.  You've been the busy little bees lately.  Buzz buzz.

Kam, I am assuming you got on the boat with your new found friends.  If not, let me know and we'll figure out what to do next.

I will let ya'll tell me if you want to do anything specific when you get back to Salt Lick.  Otherwise, we'll continue with AOSL tomorrow.

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Thu 06 Apr 2023.

Breya was just relieved to not be a literal pig any more.  A figurative one, perhaps, but she'd take it.

She then realized she was still adrift.  She had a goal here, several actually, but no idea what immediate steps to take toward any of them.

But...

"If I never see a fae creature again in my life I'll count myself among the blessed."

Kozibi gave a little laugh. "Agreed. Or a wereboar. Or...any kind of lycanthrope would be fine." He smiled a little at her. "I like when my traveling companions and friends are stable. Well." His smile widened. "As stable they get."

He drew in a deep breath. It was about time to go play a part. He wondered how long it would take, though he was looking forward to it. He hadn't lied to anyone in...days. It felt weird.

"I don't think that they were all that bad in the end."  Bellinha had finished bidding farewell to the captain and crew of the Nibbles and had joined up with her companions.  "O'Hooligan had at least given us the cure and we didn't need to deal with interrupting a Dryads date.  Although I was kind of curious as to what it would feel like to....uhm....nevermind."

She hoisted her pack over one shoulder and gave a small grunt as she picked up the wooden cage.  The contents of the cage made a croaking sound as she did.  It was a little awkward carrying the cage and her pack, but Bellinha managed.  In a smaller stride.

Bellinha smiled teasingly at Kozibi.  She was in a cheerier mood than now than when they had left days before.  "I knew that we were friends.  You pretend to be such a loner but you secretly love to be around us.  Don't worry.  I won't tell anyone." Bellinha giggled as though it were her last carefree moment before outstanding business intruded.  "Thanks for coming with us, Kozibi.  It meant a lot."

Kozibi shrugged as if to say it was a small thing. "I like you, Bellinha. We've been through quite a bit together. We've lost some friends, or people we thought might have been friends, along the way, but we've had each other's backs. I take that seriously."

He looked at the others. "I don't know you very well yet, Kamatar, but you seem alright so far. And Cassandre and Breya...tolerate me, I think, but they are both good to have at one's side despite...some of our differences on occasion." He grinned.

"So how could I not aid you in your time of...shapeshifting need? Hell, if nothing else, I may need help some day and I hope I will have you all to count on." He let out a small laugh.

But then the smile faded a little. "I am a loner, though. By necessity. I've been traveling on my own and so learned to rely on myself. And...sometimes I hold back as I know I can be...a lot. I lie and tell stories for a living. I don't want to alienate you all."

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 5):

As a group hug swells, you walk up the dock into Salt Lick proper.

Lori Grats welcomes you all back...at least those of you who are rooming there.

"Ho!  Returned have ya?  You all okay?  Things work out?

"Who's the green guy?  Kamatar?  Welcome!  Sit down and have a bowl a' Goombs.  Just finished up a batch!  Who needs booze?

"Oh.  Miss Bellinha.  Widow Parkins has been askin' around for ya.  All of ya actually.  I think she's gonna want to invite you over for a meal or somethin'."

She shrugs.  "Her cook ain't bad.  Mister Kamatar, we'll get a room cleaned up for ya."

I'll let you guys settle in and take care of any agenda you may have.

Koz, you probably need to get ready.  Tomorrow should be the day that merchant rolls in.

Bell, if you want to report in to Orus, you may.

Any one have anything else they want to do besides rest and recuperate?

Bellinha was all business upon hearing mention of the widows name.  The fact that she was asking for them seemed like a big deal to her.  "Widows Parkins was asking for us?  Oh, that's....wow....I should send a message back to her right away.  Or maybe tomorrow.  She probably doesn't want to be woken up in the middle of the night."

Bellinha fumbled around with her load, shifting to the side while trying to balance the little wooden cage in the crook of an arm while she pulled out her notebook.  She started to jot down the message.  "Thanks for passing on the message Lori.  Okay, so is everyone okay for dinner with Widow Parkins tomorrow?  Or the next night?  No, keep your schedules open and let's see what Mistress Parkins has available.  I will inquire tomorrow morning and let you all know."   She spoke as though there were no question that everyone was going to attend.

Some more fumbling about and the notebook had been slipped back into its pouch. Bellinha looked around at the assembled group.   "I need to check in with Orus and let him know that we're back.  Probably should check to see if Moon is up as well.  Are we all going to meet up for dinner?  Kamatar, you have to try Loris Gomb.  Highly recommended."

"Okay before you say another word can I hold that cage, the way you keep moving it back and forth while doing other things is giving me anxiety."  Breya shared honestly.  She really had nothing to do at the moment so... sure?

Kamatar replied to Kozibi, "I'm gratified to have earned your trust. I do try to be a good guy, thank you for recognizing my recent efforts. You're not so bad yourself, for a self proclaimed loner."

"If its a local food then I certainly will. I might even try it if its a drink."

Finding Cassandre, Kamatar approached her and asked, "How are you doing? There was much rejoicing after we won the game, but I know that we were not playing for our own benefit. Or at least I wasn't aware that you were under the same condition the others were?" He sat down beside her and listened carefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:52, Tue 11 Apr 2023.

"Oh...no, it's okay.  I have it."  Bellinha replied to Breya.  She shifted her weight and the cage again.  "It's just a little bulky is all, especially when I've got hands full of other things.  But I can do it.  It wouldn't be the first time that I've had to juggle around big..."

Breya was trying to help and Bellinha would be a fool to refuse the assistance, regardless of her current level of confidence.  She held the cage out to Breya.  "If you are sure?  I thought that you would have wanted to unwind after our latest adventure.  You know, grab a meal, bathe, sleep."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 10):

CCCCCRRRRRRROOOOOOOaaaak croaks the Moontoad in his lonely, lonely cage.

Lori glances at the moontoad than back at you Bellinha.  "You're about the only one who'd be all gitchy about gettin' an invite from the Widow.  But I shouldn't be like that.  Need to be charitable after all."

She serves out bowls of gomb, bread, and beer.

---

Kozibi, when you return to your room, you find clothes that aren't yours laid out on your bed.

It's a suit.  Not the most trendy, but it's good material and well sewn.  Classic in it's own way.  Masterwork clothing if that makes a difference

There's also a note.  Lillian.

I hope this finds you well Mr. Januson.

As per our arrangement, here is a suit for your part.  I have confirmed that Mr. Byder's ship is expected punctually tomorrow.  He should arrive sometime around the afternoon bell.  I'd like you to be ready to come to the manor as soon as you receive word his ship has docked.

There is no script.  Usually, we have a meal with Mr. Byder.  You will join us during that meal.  You will filrt with Essie and, at the time you feel most appropriate, you will propose.

If you need any specific props or have instructions, please relay them to the manor in the morning.  Otherwise, I will leave the matter to your improvisation.

I promise to renumerate you well for your efforts.  A successful encounter will land you a bonus!

Until tomorrow.  Leslie Coombs.

---

I will let Bell/Breya and Kam/Cass post any discussions and then we will move to the following morning tomorrow.

Oh I can't wait until I kill you all-I mean, until we get up to our next round of cantankerous antics!

"There'll be time." Breya accepted the cage.  It really was anxiety inducing to watch Bellinha juggle it so much, so she felt relieved.

Kozibi didn't spend a lot of time with the others after they disembarked from the ship. Just long enough to eat and have a little drink, be sociable slightly and then excuse himself to take his leave and head to his room.

He paused upon seeing the outfit and then quickly shut the door. He slowly moved forward and examined the clothes. He knew they would fit him perfectly, that wasn't in question. Nevertheless, he cleaned himself up and tried it on, not to check the tailoring, but just to see how it looked on him! And it looked good!

He re-read the note after changing back out of the suit. The ghost of a smile graced his lips as his eyes scoured each line once more. He muttered to himself, The play's the thing..." He sat down and began trying to compose something in his head as he hummed a haunting tune.

"Thanks, Breya.  Of course I'm excited to have dinner with Widow Parkins."  It seemed incredulous to Bellinha that Lori was downplaying an invitation from one of the wealthier business women in Salt Lick.  Widow Parkins was practically a role model for Bellinha, given all that her husband had accomplished.  Of course Bellinha was new in the village so she did not have the same perspective that Lori did.

"Her husband was a successful trader in Coinhaven and from what I have learned Mistress Parkins is doing very well for herself in Salt Lick as well.  In addition, she has been helping to finance some of the boats in the village.  I thought that if I was going to buy my own boat to carry goods up and down the coast, then she might be someone good to know."  There was definitely some excitement in her voice as she spoke.

"We'll have our meal a little later, Lori."  She turned to Breya.  "Alright, Breya.  Let's go speak with Orus and then drop the cage off at Moon."

"Fine by me."  Breya literally had nothing better to do, but might have had an ulterior motive here too.  Maybe.

In reply to Breya (msg # 15):

Alright.  So I have Bell and Breya (and the Moontoad.  You guys should give a name to the Moontoad.  Just sayin') on their way to Orus.

Koz is pickin' and a grinnin' up in his room.

And Kam and Cass are having a cold one in the common room.

Let's get ready to rumble

Orus grins at you both as his maid fetches you wine, beer, or tea.  "So you two are no longer lycanthropes, huh?  Good.  There's a wandering band of polka musicians scheduled to come play here in four days.  And I was afraid I was gonna have ta tell 'em to cancel it.  I do love me a good polka."

He doesn't seem quite as enthused when he hears of Widow Parkins' invite.  "So Susan asked ya to lunch, huh?  Well.  Keep your wits about ya.  She's...yeah."  He shrugs.  "She's not a bad sort.  Just a bit greedy.  Be careful if she tries ta talk ya into somethin'."

---

Kozibi, you are strumming out a banger when there's a soft rap on your door.

Opening it, you find Essie Coombs.  She's wrapped herself in a cloak so tight she's more or less peeking out of it as you look at her.

"Mr. Januson.  Welcome back," she whispers.  Why you aren't sure.  There's no one else in the hallway.  Whatever's going on downstairs is so loud, even if there was anyone around to eavesdrop, they'd be hard pressed to.  Maybe she's trying to pretend she's mysterious?

In any event, she seems nervous.

"Can I come in?  It's urgent.  I...I want to make you an offer.  Other than the one Mother already made you.  It's like a...counter offer.  You know  One that's sort of opposite but not quite opposite of an offer that's already been made.  Would that make it a perpendicular offer?  Or maybe a parallel?  I was never any good with geometry.  So can we talk?"

---

Kamatar and Cassandre, you are chatting when the door of the Inn is flung open.  An elf neither of you have ever seen before stumbles in.

He seems drunk, and reels across the floor, finally stopping right before your table and slapping his palms down on the top in a loud, awkward fashion.

He leans back, throwing his head high, then clutches at his hair, pulling on it like he's so shocked by something it's forcing him to become bald.  In a loud...for an elf...voice, he suddenly shouts...

"Gratt's Goomb is made out of people!"