The next day was spent getting ready and purchasing any supplies the group needed before the trip.

Then the day the Caravan left came and the party met the Caravan outside the Inn, Johan and another human were standing beside the lead cart.

Johan waved as the group approached "Morning, all." his voice boomed as Mao and co apporached.

"Morning," Mao said, waving back.

"This is Eric he's the Caravan master. From the Port City Trading House," Johan said introducing the slightly portly Caravanmaster who bowed. "A pleasure to make your aquatinces," Eric said.

"Nice to meet you," Mao said.

"Are you ready to go?" Eric asked.

"Yep!" Mao said.

"Then we can get going," Eric said as he headed to his cart and climbed on.

Johan nodded to Mao and the others, "Can you all take the last cart?" he asked.

"Sure," Mao said as she headed for it and clambered in.

The rear most cart was only lightly loaded there was room up front for one person to sit by the driver, and the rest of the party could find room with the cargo in the back.

Once everyone was settled the Caravan headed off.

Mao stretched out.

"Not bad."

Ruvik sat up front, the girls joined Mao in the back. Xiao grinned "Beats walking alright," she said.

"Yep. What we really need is some wine," Mao said.

Ruvik looked over his shoulder "You are meant to be keeping watch," he said.

Mao crossed her arms and pouted.

"I did buy some wine, but you'll have to wait till we make camp," Ruvik said "Trust me, you do t want to be hung over in a cart," he continued as the csrt bounced along the road.

Mao sighed and kept watch.

The journey continued and around midday Ruvik pulled something out of his backpack and passed it to Mao, it was some Aburaage.

"Come on, it will still be a fun journey he said," Ruvik said.

Mao gasped.

"My favourite!"

Ruvik just grinned, and that widened when he spotted Xiao eyeing the food her tail swishing.

He reached in again and threw a package to her "I've got some for you as well," he said.

"Grandpa used to make us Aburaage when we were kids," Mao said as she dug in.

"Your mom gave me the recipe," Ruivk said "She said it was a good way of getting you to behave."

Mao grumbled a bit as she ate.

The day wore on and soon the caravan stopped for the day, the site was a small clearing close to the road.

"Well, we made good ground today," Eric said "We'll set up camp and get food on."

Mao nodded and helped get things set up.

A short while later the camp was set up.

They spot Eric sending a few of the younger members out to get some wood before he turns to the Party. "Come on sit, we should have food ready soon," he said Genially.

Mao did so.

"So tell me, how did fox-folk come to be in these lands?" Eric asked Mao, "You folk are normally off to the east."

"Our grandfather came to Wainwright, when he was about our age and settled down. He never did explain why he came all the way out here," Mao said.

"Ah, how interesting," Eric said "And you're a Treasure Hunter? how have you been finding that work?"

"It's been alright. The dungeon has the occasional bit that other people missed," Mao said.

"It's rough when a dungeon gets depleted," Eric said "Are you looking for a new one?"

"Hopefully soon," Mao said.

Food is brought up to where the part is sitting, some stew and hardtack biscuits. "Ah, here we are," Eric said "Supper."

Mao dug in happily.

The food was good, and there was some general chitchat as the meal finished there was a commotion near the edge of the camp.

Mao went to look.

Mao spotted an agitated youth talking to one of the camp guards "I'm telling you they aren't back yet. Something must of happened," the youth said to the guards.

The guard shook his head "Couple of youngsters, probably just wanted some alone time," he replied unconcerned.

"What's going on?" Mao asked.

"My friends Hans and John, and I were asked to collect some dead wood for the fire," the young women said "Oh, I'm Alice by the way. We split up and I got back, but they haven't yet. You gotta find them please."

"I'll go look for them," Mao said.

Alice grabs Mao's hand "Thank you, thank you," she said.

"Don't worry about it," Mao said, calling over her party.

The others soon joined Mao, and Alice directed them in the direction they had gone in.

Mao headed out to search for them.

The party moves out into the woodlands in the fading light.

(OOC: Ins +  Wis please)

(OOC: Ins + Wil - Mao Hitcher rolled 8 using d10+d8)

Mao doesn't spot anything unusual until she stumbles next to a bush and finds her arm covered in strands of a sticky substance.

"Yuck! What is this stuff?" Mao asked, looking for the source.

Looking closely Mao can see threads of the white substance hung between trees and bushes all around the area.

Xiao peers at the ones stuck to Mao "Looks like a webbing to me," she said "From some thing big.," she added after a moment.

"Ugh, must be really big spiders then," Mao said. "Which is concerning when we have people missing."

Xiao stepped back "Yes, Wed better try to avoid walking into any more web," she said.

Mao began to look through the web for signs of the people.

There isn't any sign of cocoons, but Mao spots some foot prints leading deeper into the forest, from the spacing they look like someone was running.

"We have footprints," Mao said, pointing them out.

Ruvik moved up to Mao "Well lets follow them, not had any other clues," he suggested.

Mao did so.

The party trailed Mao as she followed the footprints, then from a head she heard a cry "Damn it, HELP!" it yelled "I won't let you take him."

Mao hurried toward where the scream was coming from.

Mao quickly reaches the scene and finds two young men beset by giant spiders, one of the men is on the ground cradling an injured arm, the other is standing in from waving a torch at the encroaching spiders.

"Get back!" Mao shouted as she hurried over.

(OOC: Init roll please with +2)

(OOC: Initiative roll -  Mao Hitcher rolled 4,7 using d6,d10. 13 total)

(OOC: Go)

Mao summoned a ghostly image of herself that attacked one of the spiders.

(OOC: Casting Ghostly - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,1 using d10,d8. Spending a point to invoke my identity. Can't let my rep down. A 5 for 11 total. 21 damage)

Mao runs up and smacks the spider, it fliches back from the blow and tries to bite Mao but she dodges aside as Heather smacks it with her staff.

Another spider fires a stream of webbing that strikes Heather slowing her, Ruvik brings his hammer crashing down into the spider breaking one of it's legs.

The spider that had been menacing the youngsters turned on Mao and fired webbing at her, but missed.

Xiao runs over to help Ruvik jamming a dagger into the spiders flank. The final spider tries to web up Xiao but again misses.

(OOC: Mao is up)

Mao went to help her fiance, hitting at the spider with her book

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 9,10 using d10,d10. 16 damage)

Mao brought her book down on the spiders head, it charges forward and bites Ruvik, who brings his hammer down onto the spiders head, as it reels back Heather spins her staff round and hits it across the face and it collapses to the ground.

Another spider turns towards Ruvik and fires webbing Slowing him as he is entangled in it.

Ruvik yells as he charges the spider that had webbed him. His hammer strikes it's furry body hard. The spider that had tried to web Mao tries again but misses, and she quickly moves forward and grabbed some options from her pouch and mixed them before throwing the result towards the spiders where it burst into flames.

One of the spiders curled up as the flames are at it, the other two screamed in pain. The last spider used the distraction to attack Heather biting her and injecting some venom.

(Mao is up)

Mao went to Heather to help her, smacking at the spider.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,6 using d10,d10. 12 Damage)

Mao bonked the spider with her tome and it tried to scuttle away from the blow, then moved in to try and bite Mao, but missed.

Heather begins to chant a spell, but trips on a root interrupting her spell the magic fizzling away into nothingness. The last spider charges past Heather and joins in the attack on Mao, who is easily able to dodge aside.

Ruvik rushes in and delivers a mighty blow to the spider that Mao had attacked, breaking part of its chitin shell. (Mao gets +4 to next roll due to crit)

Xiao moves in and strikes at the spider but it leaps away from the blow.

(OOC: Mao go)

Mao continued to bonk the spider.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,7 using d10,d10. 16 Total. 13 damage.)

The third spider collapsed, and the last began to scuttle away.

"Are you two alright?" Mao asked.

The first boy nodded "I'm fine but Hans got bitten by one of those spiders," he said worriedly.

Mao went over to Hans and cast Cleanse and then Heal.

Hans had been cradling his arm and his breathing was ragged but when Mao was finished his breathing had returned to normal.

"Thank you," the first boy John likely from what the group had be told said, as he hugged Hans "See, told you wed be okay," He said.

(OOC: Level Up)

"Yeah, but you two had better be more careful," Mao said.

Hans nodded "I told this idiot we shouldn't wonder off on our own, but he insisted," he said, while John blushed and looked aside "Yeah we'll you didn't seem to mind that much.." he said.

"Hey, I'm all for sneaking off for some fun, just be careful," Mao said.

Both the young men blushed at that "Well we should get back to camp," John said. "Wait we still need to get some firewood," Hans interrupted "We'll be in trouble if we don't bring any back."

"Then gather some, hurry up," Mao said.

John and Hans soon find armfulls of wood and rejoin the party "This should be enough," Hans said.

"Good. Let's head back," Mao said.

The party heads back to the caravan where Alice was waiting for them a worried expression on her face, until she caught sight of John and Hans where it shifted from relief.

Mao went to sit down and relax.

As Mao sits down and the rest join her, in the background she can hear Alice giving John and Hans a dressing down over being idiots.

"Were we that young and silly?" Ruvik asked Mao, while to the other side Xaio rolled her eyes.

"We still are," Mao said, squeezing in close to her fiance.

Ruvik laughed and hugged her close "I guess that's true enough," he said. Xiao did her best to pretend to not see the display "So Heather, what do you hope to see when we get to the city?" she asked. Heather considered for a moment and replied "A library or something I think? I'd like to try and learn more about what happened to my people."

"I hope you can find something, but it's likely they disappeared a long time ago," Mao said.

Heather looked down at her feet "I know, but I have to know," she said.

"Oh! I didn't mean to dishearten you or anything," Mao said.

"It's okay," Heather said "What about you? What are you looking for?"

Mao shrugged.

"Well, besides meeting the future in-laws, they do have a famous theatre there."

Heather nodded "Oh a show, that could be good" she said smiling "I liked to see plays performed."

"We'll make sure to then," Mao said.

The others make their excuses and head off to bed and soon it's just Mao and Ruvik sitting by the fire.

"I suppose we should head to bed," Mao said.

Ruvik nodded "Yeah, long day ahead," he agreed and the pair went to bed.

---

The next day the caravan woke early and after breakfast the caravan set out along the road again.

Mao did her best to keep watch.

The day went quietly with the caravan making good progress, it was late afternoon and the sun had moved lower in the sky when the wind changed, and the bird calls began to fall silent.

((OOC: Give me a insight +insight or wis+wis roll please))
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:53, Sun 02 Apr 2023.

(OOC: Roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 1,8 using d10,d10)

The afternoon seems quiet but Mao doesn't seen anything unusual, the afternoon stretches to early evening and the caravan makes camp near a small lake.

"Well, that was a long day," Mao said.

"Yeah it was," Xiao complained "I think my tail went to sleep," she complained.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Sun 02 Apr 2023.

"That is a shame," Mao said. "But hopefully no one wonders off and gets attacked this time."

Xiao nursed her tail her tail and pouted. Ruvik nodded "I imagine they'll be keeping a closer eye on everyone this time," he said.

"Good, maybe we should sneak off...," Mao said.

Xiao sighed and grabbed Heathers arm "Come on let's go get something to eat before our brains rot as well." she said.

Ruvik grinned and then kissed the top of Mao's head "I'm sure we can for a bit," he said.

"Food first sounds good," Mao said.

Ruvik grins "So food is still your first love is it?" he teased as they headed towards the cooking fires.

"I do need to keep my energy up," Mao said.

Ruvik reddens slightly at that, and soon the party had food. A hearty stew, and hardtack biscuits.

Mao dug in.

The meal is eaten and Ruvik whispers to Mao "So do you want to slip off?" he asked grinning.

"Oh yes," Mao said.

Ruviks grin widened and he led Mao off aways from the camp making the excuse that they wanted to see if they could get some fish. The look the guard gave them suggested he didn't really buy it but waved them off.

The pair moved up stream until they were out of sight and ear shot of the camp.

"Now were where we?" Ruvik asked.

"I'm sure we can figure it out," Mao said.

Just as Ruvik was leaning forward to kiss Mao there was a snap of a twig nearby and a voice muttered "I know what I saw, two of 'em came this way" A voice said "One of 'em was a woman I'm sure," a second voice replied a moment later "You sure you've not drunk to much? if you're drunk on a raid then Riley will kill you."

"Damn it," Mao said. "Go warn the camp."

Ruvik looked worried, "What are you going to do?" he asked.

"I'll slow them down," Mao said.

Ruvik looked torn "I don't want to leave you behind," he said.

"Go!" Mao said.

Ruvik took one last look at Mao and then began to run in the direction of the camp "There he goes," a voice shouted "Stop him!".

((OOC: Init Roll and starting a clock Ruvik Reaches the camp 0/4))

(OOC: Initiative - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,6 using d6,d10)

A pair of Bandits appeared in front of Mao, wearing rough armour and wielding axes and shields. "Just give it up girly, and it will be easy on you." one said.

(OOC: Go)

Mao breathed poison at the bandits.

(OOC: Spending 20 MP for it. Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,3 using d10,d8. Spending a FU to invoke and reroll. Mao Hitcher rolled 5 using 1d8. 11 total)

Both Bandits recoil as the poison cloud blows over them and begin to cough and retch.

They attempt to strike with their axes but due to the poison the blows of their axes were easily avoided.

(OOC: Both Bandits are poisoned, and miss. Ruvik warns the camp 1/4)

Mao begin chanting a spell and fires beams of light at the men.

(OOC: Lux spell at both. Magic Attack - Mao Hitcher rolled 4,3. Rerolling. Mao Hitcher rolled 6 using 1d8, Puts it at 10 and 21 damage to each.)

The beams of light strike out and hit both Bandits who howl in pain, then move up to attack with their axes. But due to the effects of the spells that Mao had used they missed their blows.

(OOC: Ruvik Warns the Camp 2/4. Go)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:24, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

"Heh. Looks like you guys better run," Mao said, as she tried to hit one of them with her book.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,3 using d10,d10. 9, likely a miss)

Mao just manages to land a blow on one of the Bandits, the other takes the opportunity to try to move past her and chase after Ruvik.

(OOC: Ruvik Warns the Camp 3/4. Bandit 1 is in Crisis  Go)

Mao moves to smack the other one.

(OOC: attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 8,6 using d10,d10. 14 Damage)

Mao dodges past the Bandit facing her and strikes the other one in the back of his head causing him to stumble.

The first Bandit seeing that Ruvik has got away and begins to run away. The Bandit that Mao had hit turns to try to hit her but the swing was too quick and misses.

(OOC: Ruvik Warns the camp 4/4. OOC: Bandit 1 is in Crisis and Fleeing. Go)

"Too bad. I bet you thought I'd be easy pickings," Mao said to the bandit as she attacked.

(OOC: attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,8 using d10,d10. 14 for attack total and damage)

The blow rocks the Bandit back and he snarls at Mao's words but Mao can see worry in his eyes.

In the distance from the direction of camp Mao can begin to hear noise as a large amount of people begin to move.

"Damn it, well if it's all going to shit. I'm making sure you die first," the Bandit yelled and stuck out with his axe, but his anger made his attack sloppy and it went wide.

((OOC: Bandit 2 is in crisis. Go)

"Better run now," Mao said, attacking again with her book.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 1,1 using d10,d10)

Mao moves to strike the Bandit with her book, and the Bandit raises his axe to strike again. As Mao moves forward she stumbles and collied wth the descending haft of the axe dazing her.

(OOC: Mao is Dazed, Bandit 2 is in Crisis. Go)

"That was a lucky shot," Mao said as she tried to gather her wits as she attacked again.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 4,2 using d8,d8. Miss)

The noise behind Mao grew louder and the Bandit turned and began to run "Don't think this over you damn fox woman. Next time I'll get you." he yells.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:54, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

"Next time you interrupt my snuggling I'll get you!" Mao said as she sat down down and hoped the bells would go away.

Ruvik and the others soon arrived, and Ruvik rushed over and hugged Mao "You're okay, I was worried," he said.

"I'm okay! Might just need a nap though...," Mao said.

Other guards move past the party and from further ahead their is a cry of dismay as they fall upon the bandits.

"Right lets get you up," Ruvik said as he picked Mao up. Xiao was standing nearby looking relieved. "Glad you're alight sis," she said.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:32, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

"They couldn't hit me, until I fell into their handle," Mao said.

"That's good," Ruvik said "Let's get you back to camp and have Heather look at you," he continued in a soothing tone.

Mao let Ruvik carry her and just relaxed.

Ruvik carried Mao to camp and Heather examined her "Looks like you took a blow to the head, but are otherwise okay. You should be fine with some rest," she said.

"That sounds good!" Mao said.

Ruvik nods his thanks to Heather "Thank's Heather," he said. "I'll take Mao to her blankets so she can get some rest," he said picking Mao up again and heading off.

Mao grabbed hold of Ruvik and wouldn't let go.

"You have to stay with me!"

"Okay, okay" Ruvik said soothingly "I'll stay."

Mao snuggled into him as she laid down.

"Mine."

Ruvik grinned as Mao slowly fell asleep.

===

Mao was awakened by a gentle shake "Morning beautiful, time to get up."

"Is it morning already?" Mao asked.

"It's is, the birds are singing and breakfast is ready," Ruvik said "If you're not up soon you'll not be getting any," he teased.

"I'm up!" Mao said as she got up.

When Mao joined the other caravan members around the cookfires there was a sudden cheer and Eric stood up and moved to join them "And here are the heroes of last night, if it wasn't for the warning they sent we'd have been in a sticky situation." he said.

"It's fine, it's what you're paying for, after all," Mao said.

"Nonsense," Eric said "That was beyond what could be expected, when we stop tonight we shall lay on a feast."

Mao blushed.

"Well, um, thank you."

There were more cheers at Mao's reaction and the mention of a feast.

Soon breakfast was served some beans and bread this time. Then the caravan was moving again, Mao could feel a change beginning in the air, the slight hint of salt in the air.

"I guess we're close," Mao said.

The Caravan drive looked over his shoulder "We should get to the city by mid-morning tomorrow. We'll be following the coast road for the last bit of the trip should be quiet, there are patrols up and down it."

"Ah. It should be nice and quiet then," Mao said.

"Should be," The Caravan driver agreed, it was late afternoon when the Caravan crested a ridge, and before them lay the sea, a deep blue as far as the eye could see.

Ahead the road ahead leads down the ridge and joins a paved road running along the coastline.

"Ah, I am not complaining about a chance to relax," Mao said.

The Caravan enters the costal road and starts down it, Xiao is barely hiding her excitement as she bounces in the cart as she looks out to sea, gasping as she sees a ship. "Look, its huge I've never seen anything like it," she said pointing at a huge ship.

The caravan driver speaks up again, "That's an Imperial Galleon," he said "Don't see them about often usually, but recently they've been about more."

"It is really massive! You could fit everyone from back home easily on it!" Mao said.

The caravan driver chuckled at the excitement they were showing. Ruvik was also smiling "I can see I'm going to have to give you two a tour of the docks," he said ruefully.

"You better!" Mao said, grinning.

The conversation was interrupted by a group of mounted soldiers heading in the opposite direction, most were wearing full plate in a design Mao hadn't seen before, riding in the middle was an imperious looking feline wearing lighter armour and a cloak with a the icon of a single watching eye on it.

Mao whispered to Ruvik.

"Who are these guys?"

Ruvik shrugged "I'm not sure, but that was some nice armour they were wearing," he said "Maybe Imperials?"

"It's pretty weird seeing them here," Mao said.

"Yeah, I wonder what they are doing around here," Ruvik agreed "Maybe we can ask in the city about it? "

"Good idea! I knew I'm going to marry you for a reason," Mao said.

Ruvik smiled at that and the journey continued down the costal road, it was early evening when the caravan made camp, and a large area was setup for everyone to sit in, soon the smell of food being cooked filled the air.

"The best part of the day," Mao said as she went to get some food.

Large platters of roasted meats and vegetables are brought out and placed on the tables along with flagons of beer and wine.

Eric stands with a flag on of ale and raises it "A toast to Ruvik and Mao, for saving us from an Ambush, and a toast to another successful run," he said.

Mao blushed at that.

The rest of the camp joined in the cheers, and the the feast began.

Heather was looking a little overwhelmed by it all "This is very exuberant," she said as she picked at some of the meat.

"Yes, it is," Mao said. "I'm not used to being this big a centre of attention."

"Well you deserve it," Ruvik said "What you did was stupid and brave, so very hero like."

Heather nods in agreement "It was a brave thing to do," she agreed.

"Wait? Stupid?" Mao said, looking at Ruvik with big puppy dog eyes.

"You could of been killed," Ruvik said holding onto Mao's hand "Facing all of them on your own like that... I'm not sure I could stand to loose you."

"Sorry," Mao said, meekly.

Ruvik kissed her head "You'd better be, or when we get an inn room your not getting any snuggles," he whispered to her.

"I'll be good!" Mao said.

Ruvik laughed "I know you will, you just scared me a bit." he said.

"But you'd do the same thing!" Mao said.

Ruvik looked away and then finally nodded "I guess so, doesn't mean its not stupid though... Just understandable I guess."

"I bet you were thinking of doing the same thing," Mao said.

Ruvik grinned "That would be telling," he said.

"Fine. Keep your secrets!" Mao said dramatically.

The celebration finishes and everyone retires to bed except those on guard, the next morning the caravan starts off again, and by mid-morning the towering walls of the Port City can be seen in the distance.

"Well, that's a sight I've not seen in a bit," Ruvik said.

"Do you miss it?" Mao asked.

"A little," Ruvik replied "But I'm happy to be where you are."

"Aaaaaw," Mao said as she hugged him.

Xiao who had been sitting nearby rolled her eyes "Where do you get those cheesy lines from?" she asked. Heather giggled "I think it's sweet," she said.

Mao turned to her sister and stuck her tongue out.

The caravan approached the city gate, there several guardsmen where slowly checking the people entering the city. Along side them was a figure wearing armour like the riders they had seen earlier, it didn't aiding the checks but seemed to be observing.

Mao decided to relax and wait.

The inspection didn't last too long and the group was waved through the gate and into the town. "Well here we are," Ruvik said "Home... Or what was home at least."

Eric and Johan found the group and Eric greeted them warmly "We'll the
 friends, I hope you didn't find that journey too onerous. We were lucky to have you along. Here is your pay," he said.

Johan grinned at Ruvik "Almost like old times, say hi to your folks for me would you."

"It was a pleasure," Mao said to the man before turning to Ruvik. "I can't wait to see your home!"

"Right, well why don't we get some rooms at the inn first?" he suggested "Then I guess we can go say hi,"

"Sure, let's go!" Mao siad.

Ruvik leads the party to a small inn in a nicer part of the city, the inn was called the Golden Lion.

As they walk in they see that it's fairly busy, "Hi, Petra. " Ruvik treated the women behind the bar, she looked up from the ledger she was working on and the suddenly smiled broadly "Ruvik, not seen you in ages, what brings you here?" she asked warmly.

Mao stayed quiet and watched.

"Well I've come to see the folks, but still wanted my own space, you know," Ruvik said "And I thought of you and the Lion."

Petra smiled again "Aww yet sweet Ruvik, please introduce me to get friends," she said.

Mao went up and grabbed hold of Ruvik.

"Of course," Ruvik replied "This is Mao Hitcher my fiancee, and her sister Xiao," he said introducing the two Foxes "And that is Heather, we met her in a dungeon."

"Hello," Mao said. "Nice to meet you."

Petra grinned "We'll Ruvik I would never believe a shy boy like you could find yourself someone like this," she said "a pleasure to meet you too. Of course you can stay Ruvik, I'll get some rooms made up for you." she said.

Mao looked up at Ruvik.

"Shy? You?"

Petra laughed "You wouldn't believe what he was like when he was younger," she said laughing.

Ruvik coughed "I have no idea what you mean, I've always been the outgoing confident type," he said.

"I might need to hear a lot more stories," Mao said.

Ruvik sighed, while Xiao and Heather giggled. "I'm sure we could get you girls a bath drawn up." He suggested a hint of desperation in his voice as he looked at Petra who had a cat who caught the carnery grin on her face "Oh of course, is be happy to show them to the baths," she said.

"If you have more, then lead on, please," Mao said.

Ruvik looked lost for words as Petra led Mao, Xiao and Heather up the stairs and into a room with steaming baths in. "Here we are ladies, please enjoy," she said.

"Ah, finally," Mao said, as she hurried to get in one.

Petra smiled and went to leave "Oh, and please join me for a drink later. We can swap stories about Ruvik," she said with a wink.

"Sure thing!" Mao said as she relaxed into the tub.

Xiao lounged in her tub, "Oh this feels so good she said," nearby Heather was in a tub with her wings spread out "Yes, I missed baths on the road," she said.

"It's nice being in his hometown," Mao said. "Now I can get all his embarrassing stories."

Xiao giggled "Thats true, they did seem to be close.. You worried sis?" she asked.

"What? No!" Mao said. "I trust him,"

Xiao just snickered and didn't reply. Heather spoke into the silence "I thought she seemed more like a big sister to him or something," she said "Rather than an old lover."

Mao did the classic taunt of pulling down her eye lid and sticking her tongue out,

Xiao and Heather both giggled at the display, "I do hope the Inns walls are thick," Xiao said to no-one in particular. "Oh, because it's cold by the sea?" Heather asked.

"Hey!" Mao said.

Xiao smiled "Yes, dear sister?" she said. Heather just looked confused.

Mao just sunk down into the water, grumbling.

With the bath's finished the girls were shown to their rooms, Xiao and Heather shared one while Ruvik and Mao were shown to another room.

"I got in contact with my Folks while you were in the bath," Ruvik said "We've been invited round for dinner tomorrow night."

Mao just grabbed hold of him.

"So, who is Petra?"

Ruvik froze for a minute "She's someone I knew when I was younger. She was from the same area of the city" he started to explain "She was older than me by a bit, and put up with me following her around like a puppy."

"You had a crush on her?" Mao asked.

"Umm.." Ruvik said "I guess..to begin with" he said warily "But in the end, she was more like an older sister to me."

"I'm not upset," Mao said. "Just curious."

"Oh.." Ruvik said "I was worried you might misunderstand," he said smiling shyly "She's a good person.. even if her sense of humor is low."

"I don't know...she's had some great stories so far," Mao said.

"This would be why I should have chosen a different Inn to stay at," he said "I'm almost dreading to see how you get on with my mother."

Mao smiled.

"Well, you can always undercut her and let me know all your embarrassing childhood stories right now."

Ruvik laughed and hugged Mao, "You are wicked at times you know."

"It must because I'm a fox," Mao said.

"I should ask your mother about when you were a kid," Ruvik mused.

"I thought she would have told you everything already," Mao said.

"A few stories might have come up," Ruvik said "Now then, I think we got interrupted last time we had some alone time. Why don't we pick up where we left off?"

"All right, but we should try and be quieter," Mao said.

"Well, I think that might mostly be on you," Ruvik said with a wicked grin.

The night passed blissfully and then the next morning came, there was a knock at the door. "Hurry up you two, or you'll miss breakfast," Xiao shouted.

"We're coming," Mao said, starting to shake the fiancé away.

Ruvik yawns and stretches "Morning beautiful," he said "Is it morning already?"

"It is. Time for food," Mao said.

"Oh right, don't want to miss breakfast, and we can decide what we want to do for the day," Ruvik said as he hurriedly get dressed.

Mao did the same.

The pair of you descended the stairs and found Xiao and Heather sat at a table as Petra brought out plates of cooked meat, sliced fruits, and smoked fish. "Here we go, a hearty Port City breakfast to get you ready for the day," she said.

"Oh, wow! Now that is a breakfast!" Mao said.

Ruvik smiled "We do like a big breakfast," he said as he filled his own plate with food. "So Mao, anything you'd like to do today?"

"How about you show us around the city?" Mao asked.

"Sure, I can do that," Ruvik said with a smile, "Be nice to just do something relaxing."

"How about at the harbour?" Mao asked.

"Sure," Ruvik said as he finished eating. "We can grab our things and go when you're all ready."

Mao went to get ready.

The party reassembled a short while later, and Ruvik led the way to the docks.

The docks were busy with ships of every shape and size, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships and a few warships. Pride of place however was given to the massive Imperial Galleon, its sails were furled but pennants flew from all of its masts, and the gold fillagree glinted in the sunlight.

"Wow, all these ships are really impressive," Mao said.

"Yeah, we get all sorts coming here," Ruvik said "It makes it a lively place and you can buy pretty much anything you want." he guided the party to one side as a loaded cart rumbled by.

As the party walked along the docks and viewed the ships two figures wearing the strange armour Mao had seen several times now approach the group "You there, Halt. Why are you loitering around the docks?" the lead one asks in a strange accent.

"We're just looking around," Mao said.

"Hmm, well go do it somewhere else," the man says making a shooing gesture. Ruvik steps up beside Mao "It's a free city, you can't just move people on." he says.

"Yeah, we're not doing anything wrong," Mao said.

The man eyes you for a moment and then sniffs "Damn provincials are all the same, fine do as you wish but we are keeping an eye on you." he said as he gestures for his men to return to their post by the Imperial Galleon, but they are clearly watching the group now.

Ruvik shakes his head "Imperials," he mutters.

"What is with them?" Mao asked.

"They are arrogant jerks," Ruvik said "They seem to think everyone would be better off being part of their empire, and they are not willing to take no for an answer."

"What's it like swimming in the sea?" Mao asked.

"Fun," Ruvik said "I wouldn't do it near the city, but a little up the coast is a small holiday place, with a lovely beach." he said "The salt can mess up your hair a bit if you don't wash it soon after, I guess the same for fur."

"Ah, I'll keep that in mind," Mao said. "What else does the city have?"

"There's shops of course, it's a big trade place so you can get all sorts of things here. Same with food," Ruvik said "And there's the theatre district of course."

"Let's head over to theatre district and see what's being put on," Mao said.

"Sure," Ruvik said and offered his arm to Mao, as they left the docks and headed towards the theatre district.

==
On the Road, Lady Inquisitor Felica's ears flicked impatiently as her party road inland, they were heading for some small town where a dungeon was supposed to be located. She doubted anything of interest would be found so far from real civilization, but the emperor had ordered so she would obey.

+1 FabP
==

The party reached the theatre district posters and a few barkers were about promoting the plays being put on.

There are several plays, the two most popular seem to be a love story about a princess and her knight, and a story about a brave Treasure Hunter delving into a lost dungeon.

"The treasure hunter one looks fun," Mao said.

Ruvik nods in agreement, "I kinda like the Princess and knight one," she said.

"Both sound good to me," Heather said "it looks like the next showing is tomorrow."

"Oh good, we won't miss one with supper," Mao said.

Ruvik chuckled "I should of guessed food would be your priority," he said poking Mao in the side gently.

"We're meeting with your family, ya goof," Mao said.

"Hah, I know," Ruvik said ""Shall we see about getting some tickets for tomorrow?"

"Sure, let's do that," Mao said.

"Right so The Ballard of Bella," Ruvik said and indicating the poster for the Treasure Hunter play.

Mao gave him a thumbs up.

It didn't take long to put his the tickets, and Ruvik soon returned and handed them out. "Showing is tomorrow evening," he said.

"Good, I'm looking forward to it," Mao said.

"We've still got a little bit of time before the meal," Ruvik said "Anything else you'd like to do?" he asked.

Heather looked hesitant and then spoke up "Could we go to the library? I'd like to at least know where it is." she asked.

"Sure thing! Don't ever feel bad about asking for something," Mao said.

Heather smiled "Thank you," she said.

Ruvik led the way towards the city's library, it was a large stone building that stood 3 stories high.

Once the group passed through the large front doors, they found themselves in a lobby, paintings hung on the wall showing famous scholars, and at the far end was a reception desk. A fussy-looking human male sat there scribbling in something. He doesn't seem to have noticed the party enter.

"Wow! This place is huge!" Mao said, taking it all in.

The man looked up when Mao spoked "Shh, This is a library young lady. Please keep your voice down." he said in a reedy voice.

"Sorry," Mao said.

"hmm, good," The man said "How can I help you?" he asked.

"Our friend wanted to see the library," Mao said.

The man nods "Well you'll need to apply for access to look at our collection. You'll need the sponsorship of a citizen in good standing and a fee of 100z" he said.

"Does it have to be a current citizen?" Mao asked.

"Yes, yes it does," The man replied "If there isn't anything else I'm terribly busy."

"I guess we'll need to ask your family," Mao said to her fiancé.

Ruvik nodded "I'm sure they'd be happy to," he said, and then as a clock chimed "I guess we should go get ready?"

"Let's. I'm really looking forward to this," Mao said. "Are they all as tall as you?"

"My Dad is, my mom is a bit shorter," he said "My younger brother and sister..." he paused thoughtfully "They weren't but they might be now," been a while since I've seen them.

"Ah. Just my luck to be engaged to a giant," Mao said.

Ruvik laughed "I didn't hear you complaining last night," he said with a wink. Xiao groaned, "Just remember you're meant to be getting ready to go out." she said.

"Who would forget that?" Mao asked.

The party returned to the inn and after preparing were ready to head out, Ruvik led the group across the city to a smaller neighbourhood. The streets were still clean and the times were well appointed, if somewhat smaller than the ones Mao had seen near the theatre district.

Ruvik approached one, it had low walls around it and a small garden with a pair of trees in it. He carefully pushed opened the gate and knocked at the door.

After a few moments the door began to open and a young girl stuck her head out. "Can I help you? " she began before spotting Ruvik and grinning "Big brother," she crowed before hurling herself into a hug.

"Oh wow! She's adorable!" Mao said.

Ruvik was grinning as he ruffled his sisters hair "Heya Reena, how are you?" Reena looked up at Mao when she spoke "Fluffy!" she said.

"Fluffy?" Mao asked, her tail twitching in annoyance.

"You have fluffy ears, and tail," Reena said. "I'm Reena what's your name?" she asked.

"I'm Mao, your brother's fiancé," Mao said.

"Nice to meet you," Reena said suddenly standing up straighter and giving Mao a curtsey, "You better all come in or momma is gonna be mad."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Tue 25 Apr 2023.

"Sure, I'm curious," Mao said.

Reene leads you all into the house and through to the day room, where a man who looks much like an older Ruvik is reading a paper, while a women of about the same age sits nearby doing some needlework.

"Who was it dear?" she asks without looking up, and Ruvik grins as he speaks "So what's for dinner?" he asks.

The lady who must be his mother stops and looks up, "Is that how you great your mother after all this time?" she said but she was smiling broadly and got up to give Ruvik a hug, his father soon followed.

They then turn to the rest of the group "You must be Mao," she said as she took Mao's appearance in, "A pleasure to meet you."

"Nice to meet you," Mao said, bowing her head slightly.

"Please now, no need to be so formal, I'm Katrina and this is my husband Robert," Katrina said.

"This is my sister Xiao and friend Heather," Mao said.

"Pleased to meet you both," Katrina said "Please sit," she said indicating some chairs "My other son Kristian will be joining us shortly, he just needs to finish his homework first."

Mao did as she was told.

R9bert seemed happy to let Katrina take the led "So Mao, please tell me about yourself? And how did you meet my little Ruvik?"

"We first met when Ruvik came into my family's shop while I was working," Mao said. "As for myself, uh, well I'm an adventurer as well and I'm from a pretty small village. I am head over heels in love with Ruvik."

Ruvik reddens slightly and Katrina nods "Ruvik said in his letters that you are all part of the treasure hunters guild, and that you are quite skilled at it."

Renne leans forward "You gotta tell me about it," she said "I wanna be a treasure hunter too."

"I have healing magic, so he's not in any real danger," Mao said before looking over at Renne. "I think you might be a bit young for that still."

"I'm almost eleven," Renne protested "Right big brother?" she said turning to Ruvik "Ah.. Maybe when your more like 16?" he suggested.
"Sixteen? But that's gonna take forever," Renne complained.

"It'll be sooner than you think," Mao said.

"Do you think you could teach me?" Renne asked hopefully. "Now, now Renne you've got to finish your studies first" Katrina said, Renne pulled a face at that.

But before she could reply another voice called out "Oh come on sis, studying isn't that bad." it said, as another young man walked in, he looked a lot like Ruvik but he wasn't as bulky and wore a pair of glasses.

"So, this is your brother, eh?" Mao asked.

Ruvik nodded "Yeah, this is Kristian. He's planning to go to the mage academy," he dropped his voice to stage whisper "He's smarter than me, that's for sure."

"Don't be down on yourself," Mao said. "But it is impressive to be going to the mage academy."

"Nah, I'm proud of him.. not that I'd tell him that, can't get him getting too big headed" Ruvik whispered "How's the studying going Kris?" Ruvik asked.

"It's going pretty well," Kris replied. "Well know we are all here let's get dinner started. Shall we?" Katrina suggested.

"What are we having?" Mao asked, her tail wagging.

"Fruits of the sea," Katrina said "It's a mix of fish, shellfish in a broth. Along with lots of bread."

"Oooo. I haven't had much fish before, Usually just the salted stuff," Mao said.

"Well then this should be a treat," Katrina said brightly, everyone moved to the dining room. Where the food was waiting for them.

"Please sit as you like," Katrina said as she sat next to her husband. Renne sat herself between Xiao and Heather, already talking to Xiao about something. Kristian sat on the other side of heather and was trying to talk to her.

Mao kept sitting by her fiance, but moved in closer to him. She leaned against him.

Ruvik reached out and hugged her, as bowls of food were passed out. Robert stood and raised a glass "Before we begin, a toast to my son and his beautiful fiance. May they have many happy years together."

Mao smiled and held her glass up/

"Here, here," Ruvik said. Before Katrina asked Mao "Have you two decided on a date yet?"

"No, but I'd like it to be as soon as possible," Mao said.

"That's good," Katrina said "I look forward to seeing my cute grandchildren," Xiao was suddenly coughing "Sorry something went down the wrong way she said.

Mao blushed.

"Well, uh, we'd like both families to be able to make it..."

"Of course," Katrina said "It's your day after all."

"What would work for you all?" Mao asked.

Katrina considered "For myself and Robert as long as we have some warning we can get someone else to manage the business for a week or two, for the children." she paused and thought "Kristian would be taking his exams and entering the academy during the Autumn Equinox, so before then would be helpful."

(OOC: It's mid-spring now)

"I think this day next month would work for my family," Mao said.

"That will be wonderful," Katrina said and the rest of the family smiled and congratulated Mao and Ruvik.

"Does your family have any special customs in a wedding or anything like that?" Mao asked.

"Not really, like many in this area we just have a handfasting ritual," Katrin said.

"Is everyone in the family really tall?" Mao asked.

Robert laughed "My side at least yes, both my father and my grandfather were tall men. My wife isn't quite our height but our children seem to be taking after me."

"Xiao took all of mine," Mao said.

Xiao preened at the comment "There, there sister. I'm sure no one holds your lack of height against you."

"We're supposed to be twins," Mao said.

"There, there," Xiao said "Are you worried you'll be mistaken for the little sister?" she said.

"Hey, no need to be mean," Mao said.

Xiao reached out and patted Mao's hand "I'm just teasing," she said.

"Anyway," Mao said. "Is there more family in town we should invite?"

Robert shook his head "No, just us here," he said.

"Right then," Mao said. "I do have a favour to ask: heather wants to visit the library, but you need something from a resident for it."

Robert nodded "Yes, I can give her a letter of recommendation," he said.

"Thanks, um, what do you want me to call you?" Mao asked.

"Robert is fine," Robert said "Although I wouldn't mind Dad or father."

Mao looked at Ruvik.

Ruvik had just mopped the last of the broth and looked at Mao and then made a go ahead gesture.

"Sure thing, father," Mao said.

Robert grinned, and so did Katrina.

Meanwhile, Xiao and Renne were busy chatting away, while Heather and Kristian were involved in a discussion on magical theory.

The meal continued on and slowly drew to a close. "Well thank you for coming," Katrina said and enfolded Mao in a hug.

"Thank you for having us, mother," Mao said, hugging her back.

The goodbyes over the party leaves the house and head back towards the inn. Xiao groans as they walk "I'm stuffed," she said "Maybe I should move to the city, that was really good."

"It was good, but there's no dungeon," Mao said.

Xiao thought about that "Good point, we can hope that a new dungeon opens up at least," she said.

The party reaches the inn and goes to their rooms, and the morning soon comes.

"So, what are we going to do today?" Mao asked Ruvik excitedly. "The plays later after all."

Ruvik yawns as he gets up, "Well we should probably go back to the Library and get Heather her access," he suggested.

"True," Mao said as she stretched. "Your family was nice."

"They are not bad," Ruvik said "Even if I'd rather mom wasn't quite so excited about grandkids."

"Well, I mean, eventually," Mao said.

"Right," Ruvik said "When we are ready for it."

"Right. They'd probably be giant babies too," Mao said. "Given your side of the family."

Ruvik stepped up behind Mao and hugged her, "Maybe they'd be petite and take after you," he said "I'm sure they'd be adorable either way."

"Smooth. You are certainly too much of a smooth talker," Mao said and giggled.

Ruvik laughed "What can I say, you inspire me," he said.

"It helps that you're cute," Mao said.

Ruvik mock glowered "Handsome and rugged you mean, surely?" he said.

"I said what I said," Mao said laughing.

There was a knock at the door "Sorry to bother you, but breakfast is ready," Heather said.

"Coming!" Mao called out, getting dressed.

Ruvik also quickly got dressed, and when Mao and Ruvik headed down they already found Xiao and Heather starting to eat.

Mao hurried up and sat down to eat.

"Morning," Xiao said greeting them both, "Last night was fun, your brother and sister are nice."

"Yes, it was nice to see them," Mao said.

"They are not bad I suppose," Ruivk said "Just your run-of-the-mill brats."

Heather smiled politely "Do you mind if we go to the Library again this morning?" she asked.

"We don't mind at all," Mao said.

"Thank you," Heather said.

"No problem!" Mao said.

Breakfast is a lively affair and shortly the party leaves and heads back to the library and heads in, the same man is at the reception desk apparently reading something.

Mao walked up to the desk with the form in tow.

The man startles and quickly puts down the book he  was reading "Can I help you?" he asked.

"We're back and we have the proper thing now," Mao said.

"The proper thing?" the man blinks at you "Oh the Library access.." he sighed "Very well please had over the recommendation and the 200z fee then."

Mao did so.

The man grumbled to himself and then eventually handed over a pass, "Here we, in future visits please show this to gain access. The stacks are through those doors," He indicated a set of double doors.

"If you take a book from the stack please sign the book at the end of each stack, it helps us to keep track of things."

Mao nodded and headed inside.

The group head in rows of books are present, at the end of each set of shelves a ledger is tucked into a pouch.

Heather looks around "Amazing, so many paper books," she said "This is truly a trove." she seemed almost in awe.

"Yeah, it sure is a lot of books," Mao said.

"Yes," Heather said and began to move between the stacks "I wonder what they have on ancient history," she said.

Xiao had drifted in a different direction "I wanna see if they have any books on other nearby dungeons," she said.

Mao went with Heather.

Heather eventually found the ancient history section, it wasn't large and several of the shelves looked half empty.

Heather made a disappointed sound "So little," she said as she approached them.

"Sorry, I wish I could help," Mao said.

"It's not your fault," Heather said as she picked a book at random to look at.

(OOC: Give me a mental roll of your choice please)

(OOC: Insight + Insight roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 6,2 using d10,d10)

Mao notices from the dust on the shelves that it seems a lot of books have recently been removed.

"It looks like someone took a lot of them recently," Mao said.

"Really?" Heather said and reached for the pouch where the ledger sat, pulled it out and opened it to search for the last entries.

Several tomes had been signed out to Inquisitor Felica Hiigrad.

"What's an Inquisitor?" Mao asked.

"Some special types from the empire. They supposedly work directly for the emperor, like his pet trouble shooters or enforcers," Ruvik replied "Why?"

"One signed out a bunch of ancient history books," Mao said.

Heather looked surprised "Why would these inquistors care about old books?" she wondered aloud.

"I have no idea. I wonder if Xiao had any more luck," Mao said.

Xiao appeared looking for the group "There is only a few books left," she said her tail fluffed out "Some inquistor or another has taken most of them," she said "I found one that looked interesting, it had been knocked behind some others. It mentions a dungeon nearby that i've not heard of before."

"We had the same results," Mao said. "But checking out a nearby dungeon sounds fun."

Xiao nodded "Yeah apoarently it's heavily sea influenced. And if it's not in more recent books we could find some good stuff," she said.

"That sounds perfect!" Mao said.

Ruvik hummed to himself "I've never heard of a dungeon near here. I guess it got lost or something. Should be fun though. Guess we can head that way tomorrow? after the show."

"That sounds good to me," Mao said.

Heather took a few books and signed for them. "Okay I'll look at these after," she said.

"I suppose we should grab some food first," Mao said.