The last couple of days has given the group plenty of quiet time to ponder and discuss what has happened. The Old Man, while exceedingly knowledgeable about historic events and geography has had little more that he can add to help.

The remaining group is currently staying at a small inn near the docks, known as the Tipsy Mermaid. A quiet little place suggested by Captain Aearchanar.

It is a bright beautiful morning as the group joins for breakfast and to discuss their next course of action.

Kel'li comes down early to break the nightly fast.  She seems excited to start the day, for she has no concept of what it holds except possibilities.

While never quite bright and easily excited Cinnaber does manage to stay clean, presentable and in good spirits at all times, a trait that was no doubt annoying long before the end of the sea voyage where others were not so fortunate.  This day could be the same as any of those except the floor isn't moving, the stairs are full sized, and at least some of the faces aren't exactly the same as yesterday.  Taking a moment to pull one of the chairs aside from the table she settles down on the ground to lower her head to a point just below where a normal human would be sitting, her somewhat shorter arms easily in range of the table where she has ordered the common breakfast of the day.

”This may be a good place to make plans for how we want to travel, or if we think we even can given the disruptions we have seen recently.  Do we want to risk another ship before we determine what was plaguing the previous one?”

Kel'li and Cinnabar notice Storm and Xus as the come down the stairs. The pair are discussing something. As they make it to the ground floor the glance over toward your table as they finish their conversation.

After a short pause Storm moves over to your table. "Good morning you two. Xus and I have decided to head back north with a caravan. An old friend has asked us to help out as guards. Apparently there has been some trouble along the Trade Way in the High Moors area."

"Didn't what to just up and leave without letting you know."

Kel'li asks, "You sure you don't want us to accompany you?"

Basilisa frowned in curiosity. After a small yawn, she asked, “Who’s leaving? I should have refrained from that encore last night. Those soldiers nearly drank me under the table afterwards!”

"Surely not!?" Kel'li giggled.

“Well, I pretended they could, anyway!” Basilisa feigned a sheepish smile. “Was it bad of me to slip that Potion of Poison Resistance before the drinking challenge?” She bat her eyelashes oh-so-innocently.

However, their party was apparently splitting soon. Basilisa read the solemn expression of ner departing friends, and swiftly dispensed with the tomfoolery. “Are you both truly leaving us…?”

Storm nodded, "Yeah. If we help my friend out it should settle an old debt. With any luck maybe we will catch up with you at some point." She straightened up as she got ready to leave.

"If you see Bran relay our goodbyes." She then gestures to Xus and the two head out the door.

"Well, what now?"

“Well, what about this hidden temple or whatever? There’s a map, and a quest, and after undeniable great perils, perhaps greater treasure and fame.”

"Yes, that is a good idea.  Would be nice to have a couple more, for safety."

“We still have Bran & Cinnabar, don’t we?” Basilisa asked with a hopeful grin. Suddenly, her smile dimmed. “Don’t we?” She looked at Kel’li with a worried cast to her smile.

"I sure hope so!"

Just finishing the last of her breakfast Cinnaber pulls enough of her attention away from the first meal she has had on solid ground in quite some time to nod in response, although even that clearly took some amount of effort.  Only after she finishes her unhurried chewing of the last bite does she clear her mouth with some of the local fresh squeezed juice in order to reply.

”They must take care of their own business, we are gathered by convenience and purpose at most, no contract binds us to any particular place or role.”

“Bonds of Fellowship can be more enduring—and more valuable—than any business contract,” Basilisa said with a wistful glance toward her departing friends. She sighed. “Still, I understand that they’re answering the call of another friend in need. I also understand when the desire to wander freely strikes.

May Selune guide them on their journey.”