The frontier town of Kelvin lies at the convergence of three rivers - the Windrush, Shutturga and Volaga, and serves as a way-stop for caravans and mercantile traffic from central Karameikos as it travels south to the capital city of Specularum. Having grown from what was essentially a walled encampment, the town itself consists of a large enclosed field where caravans can camp in safety, as well as an inner defensive wall surrounding the town itself. The town is ruled by the Baron Desmond Kelvin, a staunch supporter of the Church of Karameikos.  The Baron commands a small detachment of guardsmen who are tasked with patrolling the surrounding countryside as well as maintaining order within the town. Upon entry to the town, you were required to peace bond any weapons, and were warned that the practice of arcane magic is strictly forbidden within the town walls.

Given its location and purpose, the disparate nature of your parties don’t seem to draw any attention in town. All manner of traders, homesteaders and adventurer’s appear to be a common sight as you wander the streets. Inquiries at the gates have revealed that there are a range of accommodations available to you. The caravan fields are open at no charge, of course. Inside the town are three inns, offering a cross-section of society: the Star of Machetos offers a luxurious setting for the well-off merchant or traveling noble, the Karameikan Lodge offers middle-of-the-road accommodations without extravagance, and finally Alexander’s - a typical roadside hostel.

OK - you are welcome to do some freeplay interaction to get started. Post how you want to arrive in town, who’s with who initially, that sort of thing. Play up seeing each other as fellow adventurers in town or whatever, what you’d be doing initially, if you are looking for anything or anyone in particular. Play off of each other and I’ll input whatever needs to happen as we go!

Bran, a human druid with green hair, is not comfortable while inside the walls of this city. The last time he was within walls he was captured by the guards. He was uncomfortable getting his weapons checked out but just let it happened because Craberos, his elven mentor,  gave him that look. 

"Craberos why are we stopping here? I...I...I don't like being in the cities too much. Reminds me of what I was." Bran says in Elvish.

"Good question. Our guide," Craberos responds in Elvish, they gesture slightly to Maikune, "told us we were stopping here."

"Just a quick stop is all. Need to resupply if we wish our endeavors to be fruitful." He responds speaks in flawless Elvish, glancing around quickly as if searching for something. "It may be beneficial to enlist the aid of some other companions as well, if for nothing else than to distract our foes.

Expecting this, Craberos turns to face the wizard, "We're staying at the Karameikan Lodge."

"Can we explore the caravans?" Bran asks Craberos in Elvish.

"Golos not know why so bothered." So saying, he begins to rub his back up and down on one of the wagons, trying to scratch the perfect spot.

Seeing this Bran turn to the halfling and says "I've got it, buddy." And scratches his back and then moves up to his ears scratching him like you'd scratch a dog, or in this case a bear.

Meanwhile, across the road a young human man and woman talk, they look related. Loark looks over to Laila as they're walking the streets. He sees the odd group not far from them and whispers to his sister, "Is the circus in town?"

“Hopefully,” Laila winked at her little... well, little wasn’t exactly the right word. Her younger brother was far taller than she was and built much more muscular.

"Oy! Carnies!? When's the act?" Loark calls out. "Lillianna'sgunna love this..." He adds under his breath.

Golos arches his back and lets out a contented grunt of satisfaction.

Maikune hears someone call out about carnies and looks in the direction of the call. Noticing that it was aimed at them, he turns to his rag-tag group of companions.  "Shall we introduce ourselves?"

"What mean carnies?" Golos asks Bran. 

"He's calling us Bards. Because only Bards are carnies." Bran says aloud to Golos.

Laila elbows Loark. “Are you trying to call attention to us and start a fight?” She hissed.

"I want entertainment if we're staying here," he responds to his sister. "They look fun!"

“Are you saying I’m not enough fun for you?” Laila said in mock-shock.

"Bards? Is that truly the impression we give?" He looks slightly confused. "I say we clear this misconception right away." He walks towards the man who called them out gracefully, a small brown-and-black kitten appearing on his shoulder and pawing at his long brown hair.

"Golos not bard." he pouts. "Golos bear!" Bran looks at Craberos to see if they follow the wizard.

"Loark," Loark says, presenting his hand to the man with the cat. "You look a fun lot... are you performers?"

"Nay, we are simple travelers. My name is Maikune Iechyd. The snooty Elf is Crabby, the kid is Bran, and the one that thinks he's a bear is Golos." The cat paws out towards Loark, losing her balance and falling into Maikune's waiting arms.

Loark's expression changes when he learns they're not performers. "Seriously Laila... we can't catch a break," he says.

Golos rushes over next to Maikune, gets on all fours, and roars at Loark. Bran follows Golos saying out loud "No Golos. Bad. You don't roar at people."

Loark feigns fear at the halfling. "Well you're a mighty one, ain't ya!"

"Pardon me. We must be on our way" Craberos begins ushering the group onward.

Laila rolled her eyes. “This is a break. Less competition for me,” she muttered.

"We really must be on our way. Excuse us. Bran, Maikune, Golos, come along." Craberos says again.

"Him smell wrong. Not nice." Golos explains to Bran. When he does not relent, Golos says, "Sorry."

“That’s what I’ve been saying for years,” Laila laughed, smiling at the bear-thing. “See, little bro, even the halfling thinks you need a bath.”

"Let's go," Craberos says, and going to the hilt of their sword.

"Not so fast, I quite like this one. Where do you and the Mrs come from, good sir?" the Wizard says.

"No growling. Can I water him?" Golos chimes in. 

Craberos begins to walk away. "No Golos, come."

"Come on Golos. You don't want Craberos to get angry. Lightning strikes when you upset up." Bran says beginning to follow them.

"Apologies sir, it seems my companions are getting impatient. Perhaps we can meet again some other time?" He asks Loark.

"Of course, where are you all staying?" Loark asks.

"The Star of Machetos," Craberos says, lying through their teeth. (Deception: 3) (Lorak Insight: 20)

Golos hangs his head and follows. He scratches a bit of dirt behind him at Loark as he walks away.

Bran looks at Craberos saying "I thought you said the other one. The Karameikan Lodge."

“Well, it was a pleasure to meet all of you,” Laila grabbed her brother’s arm, noting the bold-faced lie.

"Did I?" Craberos says deadpan. 

"Yes. Yes, you did, Crabby." Maikune chimes in. 

As the group walks away from the bizarre family, Craberos looks to the Bran, "Divide and conquer. You and Golos to the Star, and us to the Lodge. Meet at Alexander's. One hour."

"Anything specific you want us to do there or are we just scouting out the area?" Bran asks Craberos.

"They'll follow us. I'd rather them not. Actually, we'll go to the Star, you go to the Lodge."

"Okay. Can we go to the market after?" Brans asks.

"Yes, you may go now. But Golos needs to... not run on all fours. 

"Okay. Lets go Golos." Bran then reaches his hand down to Golos to help him walk on two feet and not get lost.

Golos reluctantly stands and walks upright. 

Watching Golos and Bran walk away, Maikune turns to Craberos. "Remind me again why we took the blubbering man-child along?"

"Because Bran thought it was important to reintroduce Golos to society." Craberos replies.

Maikune shrugs. "Fair enough"

As they walk away, Loark looks to Laila, a grin on his face. His eyes light up like harvest festival day. "Please?" He asks.

“No!” Laila replied incredulously. “They’re a bunch of fools, who can’t even lie properly! And can you imagine what Lilli would do if she met the bearling? The trouble they could cause? We’re supposed to be keeping a low profile.”

"It'd be fun though..." Is all he says as they make their way to the market.

“My definition of fun doesn’t include getting beheaded,” Laila said pointedly.

"Remember the chicken in camp without a head... lasted weeks walking around pecking at nothing. Think I'd survive something like that?" He starts to wonder about the amount of damage he'd be able to sustain before falling. It hasn't happened yet... likely never will.

“You and Lilli will be the death of me,” Laila sighed.

“Do you think they’re spies?” Laila muttered after a minute, looking over her shoulder. 

"I think they're something..." Loark replies. "A group like that doesn't roll up in this town without an agenda."

“I don’t particularly care what that agenda is, so long as it doesn’t run perpendicular to our’s,” Laila narrowed her eyes. “Let’s get a drink, then we can see about tracking them and making sure they’re not trying to kill us.”

"If we did ever run into them again..." Loark smiles. "What do bears like?"

 “Which twin do you think you’re talking to?” Laila laughed. “The nice one who’s good with animals?”

"Honey..." Loark says. "Don't they like honey? Hmmm... I think I'll offer up some mead to the bear-thing if we see him again."

“We can’t let Lilli meet him,” Laila replied in all seriousness. “You know it will be all over if she does. We can’t risk it.”

"You're a genius!" Loark replies. "I'll offer up Lilli."

Laila suddenly felt something soft brush up against her leg; the cat that had been on the wizard's shoulder. "Oh look! It's the cat from before..." Loark goes to pick it up and pets its belly.

“No! That’s not what I meant!” Laila shook her head. “You know that’s not what I meant. I’ve worked way too hard to keep us from not dying...” The bard’s voice trailed off as she looked down at the cat. “Well hello little familiar,” she narrowed her eyes, recognizing a magic cat when she saw one. ”You’re a long way away from your master. Lo, we need to move. Those people are following us.”

Loark follows, cat still in his hands as he makes googoo noises while softly rubbing its belly. The cat seemed to enjoy the scratches. “Lo, the cat,” Laila sighed. “That’s... Put it down.”

"Why?" He asks. "It's cute."

“It’s magic, and it’s how they’re following us,” Laila frowned. Loark thinks for a moment, then breaks its neck. “Thank you," the eldest Aremene nodded.

When it poofs out of existence, Loark grins. "How do you know this stuff!?"

“Because I’m magic,” Laila smirked. “What do you say we go back and remind those assassins who they’re messing with?” The youngest sibling answer was a simple fist to palm.

Craberos looks around, "Where did your cat go?"

A sudden feeling of pain courses through Maikune's head, and a furious expression crosses his face. "I'm gonna ******* kill them." He storms off in the direction that Loark and Laila went.

Craberos pauses. "Stop." Maikune keeps walking. This is the first time Craberos has seen the man show any emotion, and he seems dangerous. Craberos walks quickly past Maikune and breaks into a jog.

"Excuse us," Craberos says politely about 20 ft ahead of Maikune, looking at the siblings coming straight for the elf.(edited)

“Who sent you?” Laila spat.

"DO YOU JUST KILL EVERY CAT YOU FIND WONDERING THE STREET, YOU BLOODY PSYCHOPATHS?"

"We know nothing of you." Craberos responds with a snear. Peacebound or not, Loark pulls his heavy crossbow from his belt and aims it directly at the mage's head. "That won't be necessary sir." Craberos responds waving a hand.

“Only familiars that I know were sent to track us,” Laila replied.

"I LET MY PET OUT OF MY SIGHT FOR A MERE MOMENT AND NOW SHE'S GONE!" He begins to choke up, tears threatening to pour out. Quieter, he says. "She was the only love I had left."

"They don't sound like assassins," Loark says quietly... "Is he crying??"

"You really must think you're special, well no. My... acquaintance is right. It's a cat. It does what it wants." Craberos frowns. "He's quite distraught over it, perhaps you could help him summon a new one?"

"Why would I want my dear Paws to track you? I hardly learned of your existence a moment ago!" A few tears slide down his cheek.

"He's right, that was a... dick move." Craberos nods at their word choice.

“Tell. Us. Who. Sent. You,” Laila growled, not buying the tears. “Or I will have my brother do the same thing to your necks that he did to your familiar.”

"Just do it and get it over with. I've no one left." Maikune collapses to his knees.

Craberos shakes their head, "The Syl Tribe of the Vylada people. We are accompanying this wizard on his quest."

“Prove it,” Laila faltered for a moment. Normally assassins didn’t cry... But then, it could be an act, right? Loark notices the ribbon in the inner workings of his crossbow and starts pulling them away.

"Prove that I am of the Syl Tribe?" Craberos asked. Maikune pulls a small book from inside his robe and holds it out to Laila, hand shaking with his crying.

“Lo, stop that,” Laila held a hand up. “Yes, elf. Prove that you’re not assassins that were trying to tail us.”

"I thought we were killing em..." Loark stops a moment, glancing at everyone around them with their mouths agape. "We're drawing attention..."

"Oh, that's easier. Is a boy who thinks he is a bear a good assassin?" Craberos for extra measure begins to list every member of the Syl Tribe in Elvish.

“Not inside the city,” Laila grabbed the book. “What is this?” Inside, scrawled in messy common, is the location of some ruins said to hold powerful magics. A signature of one Professor Athrawon is at the bottom. “Why were you tailing us then?” Crossbow lowered from the mage's head, Loark realizes he had to remove the bolt for them to ribbon the crossbow.

"It's a cat." Craberos said.

"Paws was not tailing you. I let her from my shoulder to explore while we did, so as to learn the area quicker," Maikune continued. "I suppose she just... liked you. Damn fool of a cat."

"Why would we tail you?" Craberos looks disgusted at the thought.

“Oh," realization dawned on Laila's face. "****.”

Paws... Loark thinks, The magical beast had a name...

Craberos raises an eyebrow, "You can't be that important if you're calling out 'carnies'."

“It was a... test,” Laila rummaged in her pocket and withdrew ten gold pieces. She placed the pile on the book and handed it to the crying wizard. “I was testing my brother. He’s heading to a special body guard school, and was worried about getting in. I apologize for your cat, but you’ve helped us identify some of the areas he needs to work on.” Loark gives her a sideglance, but replaces the crossbow on his belt and nods one too many times.

Maikune takes the gold and his book, sliding them both into the inside of his robe. Shakily, he stands and wipes his eyes. "I will not forgive you, but you have my thanks for repaying this heinous act. I don't suppose you know where to find charcoal, incense, or herbs worth this much gold in this shit-hole?"

Craberos looks at the pair quizzically, "Thank you. However, next time I see you I will spare you the prologue and strike you both down with all the strength the Immortal Iphyl has given me. Hope, rather, pray that I am not with the bear; he doesn't like blood." Craberos turns and helps the sniffling wizard on to his feet and walks away.

“Wait, elf,” Laila placed a hand gently on their shoulder. “Please, allow me to make it up to the both of you. Perhaps a drink?”

Craberos grabs the hand and spins, they're close to breaking it. "Lightning or thunder?"

Loark takes a few steps forward, fist raised. Laila winced. Not very strong, her hand cracks under the pressure. “The thunder is a warning for the storm to come,” she pursed her lips. “I choose the rain, that which brings life instead of destruction.”

"Crabby, I thought we talked about this... You can't just kill someone offering us free things."

Craberos lets go of the hand, "Both, Thank you. Now I don't have to ask." They turned to Maikune, "Let's go get you the materials to bring Paws back." They walk away.

Eyes narrowed, Loark ponders if he can knock the elf out with one punch. Laila stumbles back, cradling her injured hand. “Lo, it’s fine,” she murmured. “I don’t even need to heal it. If you’re really worried, Lilli can always take a look at it and put some leaves on it or something.”

Maikune gives a sidelong glance at Laila, then a quick glare at Loark, before following Craberos away.

As you walk through town, there is a healthy buzz of activity all around. The streets are busy, given the size of the town, but not crowded by any means. The mix of citizens ranges from rough lumbermen to merchants dressed in the finely embroidered woolen garments currently in fashion.  The occasional town guard is seen as well - a sign that the Baron does maintain order and enforces the laws Duke Stefan has enacted in Karameikos.

At the dust-up between the two adventuring groups, raised voices seem not to draw much attention but when Loark brandishes his crossbow there is a distinct change in tone - people back away, leaving space around you and there is concerned muttering all around.  The tension eases when he lowers the weapon again, but it is some time after you've moved on before things return to normal. Some time passes without a guard accosting you, so it seems, for now, you avoided trouble.

Between the caravans and the market square it will be easy enough for Maikune and Craberos to find the various components he needs to re-summon his familiar. There is no magical shop, of course, so it requires a few stops, but by spreading out the purchases it also seems to avoid any awkward questions or draw any untoward attention.

Conversation about town is a blend of business and everyday topics as you wander and catch snippets here and there.  It seems one of the lumber camps upriver has a raft of logs headed towards town - a number of the lumbermen are here ahead of it to help steer things past town. You see elves here and there as well. A few pointed inquiries reveal that they are a fairly common sight. The Callarri clans to the west send scouts out from Rifflian in search of merchant contacts, in particular, they are known for seeking out both buyers and sellers of horses. The most worrisome topic seems to be that to the east of town, nearer to the fringes of the Dymrak Forest, there has been a marked increase of goblin raids on the farmsteads - and from a variety of tribes as well. They are even starting to become emboldened enough that a caravan or two has been attacked, though the guards have been able to drive them back off again so far.     

With this strange new girl Bran leads the three of them through the streets and to the Karameikan Lodge. They get their surprisingly fast; with Bran taking alleyways and staying off the main roads. It’s like he has a natural tendency to know how alleyways connect and which ways will lead you where. Once outside the Lodge he looks at Golos saying “Now, we don’t want to be kicked out so, let’s be on our best behavior. Okay?” With that said he leads the three of them into the Karameikan Lodge. 

Lillianna was surprised at how well Bran navigated the streets of the city. "Wow, that's pretty impressive. I'm good at tracking and navigation in the wild but cities confuse me. Maybe I can use you to find my siblings!" She grins at Golos, giving him a slight pat on the head. "I can't imagine you causing any trouble! You're such a sweetie!"

“When...when he gets mad he can be a handful.” Bran chimes in.

"Then we just make sure he doesn't get mad," Lillianna said, cheerfully.

Dorobo, sitting at the bar stool close to the bartender, notices the strange group walk in and is more confused than anything. He was there for one reason: Information. He could tell that they would most likely make a scene and, if necessary, slip outside. There many places here to get information, this is just where He had started.

"Let's get something to eat! Or maybe a drink!" Lillianna begins to drag Golos and Bran toward the bar. "Or both!"

"Golos could eat." the halfling says. 

“I...I...I think we’re just suppose to get pricing for room. But...but...if you’re hungry a snack wouldn’t hurt.” Bran says

"Pry-sing?" The barbarian asks Bran. 

“How...how...how much shiny metal pieces they want to let us sleep here.” Bran answers.

*Oh no*, Dorobo thinls to himself, *they’re coming toward the bar*. He finished the little ale he got and leaves the mug on the table. He rises up and starts to walk toward his room, passed the group.

"Don't worry, Golos. I've got this." Lillianna gives the man that passed them a smile, then speaks to the bartender, ordering food and drinks. "Okay, Golos, go pick out an empty table for us!"

Golos rummages in his pouch and produces a few coins. "Bran want?" Which Bran responda with a head shake no. Golos looks over at Lillianna at the mention of his name and nods. "Empty a table".

Lillianna nods and grins. As Golos runs off, she pauses. "Wait, I don't think he got that correct."

Golos starts looking around. The tables all seem to be full. He starts sniffing around the least populated one and begins snuffling and growling low in his throat. He is not aggressive or openly hostile, but he does make the patrons uncomfortable. They finish their ale and leave. He bounds up onto a chair and waves over to Lilli. "Empty table!" he proclaims.

“At..at least he didn’t pee on them this time.” Bran says giving the patrons an apologetic look.

Lillianna follows, smiling at those leaving. "Sorry, sorry about that!" She sits next to Golos. "Not what I meant, my little friend, but very effective!" She gives his head a little scratch.

Golos recites, as if from memory. "No do water in bar."

“So did you give Lilli all of your gold, or do you have enough to front some money for drinks?” Laila asked her brother as they entered the Lodge.

Dorobo, close to the top of the staircase, notices some patrons leave as another group enters. He just hides to the side to observe the group. (Stealth: 19)

"Oh I got plenty left," Loark says, patting his pouch. He stops and grins when he sees Golos atop the table.

“Oh no,” Laila follows her brother’s gaze and sees her sister sitting with Golos. “She found the Bearling.”

Golos notices Loark and settles into a crouch. "Stinky man!" he growls.

Lillianna tenses up. "Where?! He'd better not stink the place up!" She looks around and spots Loark and Laila. "Oh! Hey! My family!" She begins to wave frantically. "Over here!"

Bran points at him “That’s...That’s...Thats him. That’s stinky mean butt man.” Bran says to Lillanna while pointing at Loark

"No, that's my *brother*," Lillianna corrects Bran.

Dorobō Just trying to blend in and not draw attention? Not really *hiding*?

"Can't not be both?" Golos asks.

"He's nice, I promise," Lillianna said, giving Golos another scratch on the head.

“And what am I, chopped liver?” Laila put on a confident smile, not wanting to let the strangers see any weakness.

Golos relaxes a bit, but keeps his teeth bared.

Lillianna points at Laila. "She's my sister," she says, as if it wasn't glaringly apparent.

Loark approaches Lillianna, arms open for a hug. "Did you find what you were looking for, sister?" He asks.

“But...but...but you have the same face?” Bran questions

"Easy to tell. Smell not same." Golos chimes in. 

Lillianna jumps up and gives Loark a huge hug. Still leaning against him, she turns to Bran. "Yeah. Isn't it cool?" Turning back to Loark, she said, "I got lost on the way to market. These nice people are helping me find it!"

"Well, thank you for your help," Laila smiled at Bran. "But we've got it from here. Lil, we'll find the market together so you won't need to borrow these nice people."

Loark looks over at Bran, "Sorry about earlier... this town is just... boring. I was really hoping you were part of a carnival or something. Oh... and if you see your friends can you apologize for me?"

"No take Golos friend." The halfling says

"No take Laila's sister." The Bard counters 

Lillianna grabs Golos and holds him close. "But, I was making friends!" She gives Laila big puppy dog eyes.

"Laila can stay." Golos decides.

“What...what...what did big smelly man do?” Bran asks Loark

"The Crabby guy?" Loark asks.

"Called you carnies, obviously." Laila buts in.

Lillianna just looks back and forth at everyone, confused. After a few moments of awkward silence, she stated, "I ordered food and drink."

"Golos empty table." Golos says proudly 

"Did you order mead? Bears like mead," Loark asks.

"Duh," Lillianna said, rolling her eyes. " Of *course* I ordered mead."

He looks at Laila and whispers, "She ordered mead." His eyes go from his sister to the chair and back to his sister.

"Stinky man...sorry?" Golos asks 

"Of course!" Loark says, hopping into a chair. "Any friend of Lilli's is a friend of mine."

"Fine, we can stay." The oldest sister finally says.

"Yay!" Lillianna smiles her biggest smile.

"Stinky man can stay." Golos nods in agreement.

Loark finds his eyes lingering a Golos, wondering how strong the little guy actually is.

"Thank you for your kindness in allowing us to stay, Master Bearling." Laila says 

He pounds his chest. "Golos."

"Isn't he great?" Lillianna hugs Golos. "He was raise by bears! *Bears!*" She looks down at him. "We have *so much* in common!"

Golos nods sagely. "Wolves and bears very close."

Loark blinks, processing the words. "Like... actual bears?"

"Not like Lilli, who just played with dogs more than people as a kid?" Laila says 

*Bearling?!* Dorobo thinks to himself, *Did that girl say he was raised by bears? They really are a strange group...*

"I was *too* raised by wolves!" Lillianna frowns at her twin.

"Golos bear kin. May be bear. Bran says no." Golos says looking at Bran. 

Bran this entire time doesn’t know what to do. So much going on. So many new people. He just absentmindedly pulls out Aladdin and starts petting him to calm himself down.

*Wolves too?* Dorobo’s shocked and his facial expression exemplifies that shock. *This group is insane...but they might have come from far away...They might have information I need*

"Are you strong as a bear, Golos?" Loark asks. "Can you.... pick up Laila?"

"Why is that always your go-to when it comes to feats of strength?" Laila raised an eyebrow.

"You weigh exactly ten stone. It's perfect." Loark smiles. "Well Golos?"

"Golos can. Laila want Golos pick her up?" He asks 

Lillianna claps her hands. "Do it! Do it!"

In the midst of the conversation, the innkeeper comes over bearing a large tray of food. He's clearly of Thyatian stock, not a local Traladaran. "Here you are my lady, as requested. Will you be needing a room for the night? Rooms include the price of the meal - that's a royal *(gold piece)* per room for the night, else it's 3 crona *(silver)* for the food and drink." The meal consists of the mead, easily available due to the frequent elven clientele, bread and cheese, and slices of cold mutton. "Please keep your companion off the tables if you don't mind," he adds with a sideways glance at Golos. "Will there be anything else?"

"Sure! We'll take a room!" Lillianna drops the money into his hand and begins to drink her mead. "Dig in, everyone!"

Golos growls, but hops off the table.

Loark grabs a mug of mead for himself and a handful of mutton. He plops the mutton on the table and begins tearing into it.

Golos walks over to where Laila is sitting and lifts her up, chair and all. "Like this?" he asks?

"Ah ha!" Loark cheers, mug raised high.

Laila appears to be calmly sipping her mead, but her siblings can see that her knuckles are white from gripping the chair so tightly.

“This is becoming ridiculous...” Dorobo says under his breath; noticing the halfing pick up the girl, chair and all.

"What else Golos lift?" He asks Loark 

Loark looks around the inn.

"Lift me! Lift me!" Lillianna grins from ear to ear.

Bran this entire time is just freaking out not knowing what to do and wishing Craberos was here.

The innkeep returns and hands over a key with a numbered token attached. "Rooms at the top of the stairs," he indicates these in one corner of the room. "My name is Nikolai. Please let me know if you require anything else." As the lifting seems about to continue he clears his throat and takes on a pained look. "Mi'lady, PLEASE! That sort of thing may be acceptable in other inns, but we run a well-mannered place here. If this continues, I'll be forced to ask you to seek lodging elsewhere," he adds sternly as he looks to his other customers with concern.

Golos places the chair down with a thud. It begins to overbalance. Golos looks at him. "Golos no lift friends?" He gets a sad look on his face, as though the innkeeper just kicked his dog.

Loark looks over at the innkeep, "Oooh! A barrel of mead!" "Can you lift that??" He asks.

"Loark," Laila hissed. "Stop egging him on. You're going to get us kicked out."

"I want to see how strong he is!" Loark complains.

"While I am sure he *could* sir, he will NOT be. Not here at least." It seems the situation has attracted some attention, but the other patrons seem to be enjoying the show. "Leave 'em be, Nik," one calls out. "They ain't broke nothin! If you let people have a bit o fun, maybe there'd be more seats full in here anyway!" His friends laugh in appreciation as Nikolai gives him a look that indicates he's heard this all before.

He looks at Bran. "Golos not know. Yes lift? Or no lift?"

“Go..Go..GOLOS STOP IT! We...we...we need to leave! Cra...Cra...Craberos said to meet at the other inn! Let’s Go!” Bran says/screams out and then he begins to heave as if he just ran a marathon and that took all his strength to say.

Lillianna frowns. "I thought we were getting along, though."

Golos looks stung. He gets down on the floor and crawls under the table, curling up into a ball at Lilli's feet.

"Look what you've done, Lo," Laila drained her tankard. "You gave the poor green-bean a panic attack."

Lillianna crawls under the table with Golos and pets him like a pet dog.

Golos makes little bear rumbling noises.

The sudden outburst made Dorobo jump. After noticing the bearling fall into a ball, he’s slightly saddened, but not enough for action...just observation.

Loark ducks his head under the table, "I'm sorry I got you in trouble, Golos. But I think your friend wants you to go with him."

Lillianna pats Golos. "It's okay, friend. We'll find each other again." She gives him a big grin.

"Lilli come with Golos and Bran? Meet Crab man? Laila and Stinky Man can come too." He looks hopeful.

Lillianna nods. "I'd like that." She sticks her head out from under the table. "Bran, would you wait until after Golos has eaten something? I'd like to meet your other friends, as well!"

Golos peeks his head out from under the table and looks imploringly at Bran.

“No...no...no he can’t. We....we...we have to go now. Come...come Golos. I’ll...I’ll get you some honey.” Bran says

Loark nods to Lilli. "It's a good idea, I think. I'll stay here and have a bath drawn. I'm starting to think I might stink..."

"Lilli, perhaps it's best if we don't meet the Crab man. We don't want to freak out your new friends too much, and it's clear that Loark and my presence isn't exactly calming at this point."

Lillianna sniffs Loark. "You smell like... you." She shrugs. "But I wanna meet this Crab!" Images of a large Crab with a sword filled her head.

Golos crawls out slowly and stands, shoulders slumped. He takes a sip of mead and stuffs a piece of bread and cheese in his mouth before holding out his hand like a defeated child.

Lillianna watches how sad Golos has become and stands, taking a *huge* swig of mead, and shoves a chuck of food in her mouth. "Ofay! Lefs go!" She takes one of his hands.

Golos looks up and his expression brightens. He smiles at Bran. 

Bran takes his hand and begins to leave with Golos. As his back is turned Bran, without really thinking about it, he cast Druidcraft right over Loark to fill that space with the smell of a skunk’s spray.

Lillianna swallows her mouthful and looks over her shoulder. "I'll be back later!" She sniffs the air. "Geez Loark, you *do* stink! Use the room I bought and get cleaned up. Even *I* don't smell that bad.*

Golos nods to her. "Stinky man."

"He's not usually that stinky." She paused a moment, thinking. "I wonder if he's been rolling in a dung pile without me?"

"Good way to cool off," Golos admits. "And keep bees away."

Loark sniffs himself, sours his face, and says, "Yeah... Hey keep! Can I get a bath drawn in our room?" He waves the stink away and makes his way upstairs.

"Okay, Bran. Lead us to your friends!" Lillianna grins, happy to meet new people. Maybe they'll also have pets.

Dorobo moves downstairs as this man passes him.

As they depart, Golos begins to hum happily. The upset of the moment passed.

Dorobo, noticing the group leave attempts to tail the group in hopes of finding more information.

Laila is also going to try and stealthily follow Lilliana.

Laila finished her mead and looked at Loark. "I'm going to follow and make sure those two don't kill Lilli while you take your bath," she whispered before slipping out into the alleyway. She wasn't as stealthy as either sibling, but she still wasn't a stranger to sneaking around. Laila melted into a shadow and began to follow.

Leaving just before the woman, Dorobo tails the other woman moving in the same manner except he’s sticking closer to the wall. Not noticing the other sneaker, Laila ducked into the best shadowy alleyway in sight... Running right into a solid form. Laila fell to the ground, looking up to see a taller man in leathers. “Whoops?”

Hearing her sister's voice, Lillianna paused, momentarily letting go of Golos' hand, letting the two run off ahead of her. She stood looking at her sister, an eyebrow raised.

Dorobo says, in a careful yet calming voice, “This lady here was following you guys so I wanted to make sure no harm was being done. So I her tailing you. Quite the misunderstanding I swear.”

Lillianna looks from the strange man to her sister, who shares the same face as her, and back to the strange man.

“Dude, read the room. We have the exact same face,” Laila rose to her feet and crossed her arms. “You were also in front of me. Why were you tailing us? Who sent you?”

"She often follows me." Lillianna looked between her twin and the man again. "I often ignore her."

"It's kind of our thing," Laila tilted her head. "But you, Mr. Shadow, are new to the equation."

Dorobo lets out a sigh. “Yeah being related makes that rather difficult to lie, I assure you I mean no harm, just wanted to know if obvious foreigners like you have information.” Dorobo moves out into light with his hands raised to show a lack of dark intent.

Lillianna looked over her shoulder, seeing Bran and Golos disappear quickly around a corner. "Shoot, I've lost them." With a sigh, she wanders over to the new guy. "Hi. I'm Lillianna." She offers him a slightly grubby hand.

"Who's asking?" Laila narrowed her eyes. "Lilli, don't shake his hand. He could be a spy."

Dorobo shakes her hand. “I really do mean no harm, but I guess I have no proof. Let me make it up to you by paying for your room?” Dorobo pulls out a gold and holds it out to the other woman. Lillianna stares at him, slowly getting closer and closer to his face. Dorobo’s apologetic facial features don’t waiver.

"Money doesn't buy my trust," Laila says. "What information are you looking for, and what does that have to do with us?" As Lillianna gets closer, almost nose to nose, she plucks the gold from his hand. Unmoving, she hides it away between her breasts.

“Well...I’m looking for someone. You could call her a lover I suppose but we’ve never really met. Well not while I’m awake. It’s a lot of explaining honestly. The gist is I have a name, Vanessa, and a place, Dragon Fire’s Tavern.” The whole time his hand’s rubbing the back his head due to the near impossibility of the story.

Staring deeply into his eyes, Lillianna says, very slowly, "I... am... not... Vanessa."

“I kinda knew that, you look nothing like her!” Dorobo responds defensively. He recollects his posture. “But I didn’t know if you might know her or the tavern."

Lillianna, still inches away from the guy's nose, repeats, "I... am... not... Vanessa."

"I know of a Plastered Dragon, but no Dragon's Fire Tavern," Laila said slowly. "I'm inclined to believe that the tavern you're looking for doesn't really exist, seeing as so far we've mostly traded lies. So here's the deal, Mr. Shadow, if I find out that you are an assassin sent to kill us, I will have my brother and sister flay you and feed your corpse to the dogs. Is that clear?"

"I was raised by wolves," Lillianna said quietly, into his face. "I know many wolves that would strip your bones clean." Suddenly she stood straight and backed away, a huge grin on her lips. "Glad we understand each other!"

Dorobo is rather shocked from the blunt death threats from the two women but doesn’t press further. “Alright, I understand my situation here. Sorry we got off on the wrong foot.” Dorobo awkwardly laughs to himself afterwards

"So, a missing lover, huh?" Lillianna bats her eyes at him. "How romantic. You plan on sweeping her off her feet when you find her? Are you gonna propose?" She gasps loudly. "Will there be a wedding!?"

“Lillianna, come on,” Laila tugged at her sister’s hand. “Let’s go.”

"I hope you find her," Lillianna said, waving over her shoulder at the guy. "Didn't even catch his name," she said to her sister.

Dorobo ignores the statement about Vanessa. “It’s Dorobo” He yells out, “I’ll be in the Lodge if ya need me.”

"Oh! So are we," Lillianna yells back at him. "Nice to meet you, Dorobo!"

“Come on Lilli, let’s go shopping and then meet Lo back at the room.”

"Okay! Maybe we'll find Bran and Golos again." Lillianna looped her arm through Laila's. "I hope so. Golos is fun!"

“He is fun, but he’s also dangerous, Lil. A guy with green hair and a bearling attract a lot of attention. And what are we trying to avoid?”

"Yeah, and twins don't draw attention?" Lillianna gave her twin a pointed look.

“That is a false equivalency, and you know it. Besides, when you stay in the woods hunting, there’s only one person with this face in town.”

Lillianna smiled brightly at passers by. "All I'm saying is if there are assassins out to kill us, all they need to do is find the twins. A bear boy and a guy with green hair won't matter. Besides, don't you miss having friends?" Thinking back to Dorobo, she added, dreamily, "Don't you ever want to get married?"

"You and Lo are my friends."

"Family," Lillianna corrected.

"Besides, marriage and other attachments are weaknesses that can be exploited," Laila brushed off her sister's comments. "I'm not giving our enemies any more ammunition to be used against us."

"Then shouldn't we split up, since we can be used against each other?"

"Lilli, how can you..." Laila stopped in our tracks. "How can you even suggest that? It's not the same thing."

"It is the same thing," Lillianna said, still smiling. "If that bear boy can be used against me, I can be used against you. Even more so, honestly. They could easily break you buy killing me right in front of you." She released her sister, skipping backwards into the crowd. "Besides, the love of my life could be right here in this city, and I'll never know if I close myself off from everyone!"

"Fine, then you are my weakness," Laila grabbed her sister's arm before she could disappear. "You've been my weakness since the moment we were conceived, and there is nothing I can do to change that. But if we split up, my love for you and the weakness you pose still remain. Together, we're stronger. I'm weak, Lo lacks direction, and you don't think things through. But together, we even each other out. We don't need anyone else, and I'm not looking to add to a list of people I would be willing to die for."

"Nobody is asking you to die for anyone, sestra." Lillianna paused, hoping to catch sight of Bran and Golos.

"Nobody is asking me to die?" Laila snorted. "Come on, you're not that dumb."

"Laila, it has always been our choice." Lillianna gave her sister a squeeze. "We've always had the choice to fight or run away. Nobody asked us. As much as dad tried, he couldn't force us, either. Look at me." Laila hasn't stopped staring Lilliana in the eye. "I was always a lost cause, according to dad, that's why he focused so much on you."

"You're not lost."

"I'm also living my own life. The way I want to. That means I don't want to close myself off from meeting people."

"Living your life is all well and good, but never forget the fact that there are numerous people who want you dead, regardless of what you do in the future."

Lillianna shrugged. "We're all going to die, some day."

"I don't want my death to be a catalyst for the downfall of others."

"You do what you gotta do, sestra. Just don't prevent me from doing what I gotta do." Lillianna gave her twin a kiss on the cheek "Where's the other inn?"

"We already have a room."

"I know, I just wanna check out the other place. This one is a little boring."

"Are we following Bearling and green-bean?"

"That's a good possibility."

"What if I told you that was a bad idea?"

"Do you think it would change my mind?"

"If you listened to why, maybe," Laila frowned. "It's not actually about either the bearling or the green-bean... It's more about who they're with."

"Yeah, I was hoping to meet their friends." Lillianna grinned at Laila.

"That is not going to go the way you want it to. It will probably end with Crabby attempting to kill you with lightning."

Lillianna gives Laila a skeptical look. "Why would a crab shoot lightning at me?"

"Crabby is an elf whose name is Crab," Laila sighed. "Not an actual giant crab carrying a sword."

"Damn," Lillianna said, still thinking of a crab with a sword. "Still, I wanna meet him! He sounds fun! He can shoot lightning!" She started dragging her sister even faster, then stopped. "Wait... why would he want to kill me?"

"Because he'll think you're me."

"What did you do?"

"Why are you assuming I did something?" Laila held out her wrist and showed her sister the bruise. "He hurt me."

Lillianna frowns at Laila's wrist, touching it gingerly. Her entire demeanor changed in an instant. "We're going to find this crab-man."

"No, Lilli, it's ok. Loark and I handled it," Laila realized she may have overcompensated. "But he's not going to be happy to see me again." Without saying anything else, Lillianna pulled Laila along, looking for the other inn. "Lilli, it's not even that bad! Please, let's go back to our room." But the bard's objections fell on deaf ears, as her much stronger sister continued to drag her along.

“Lilli, can we at least go back and grab back up if you are hell bent on getting us all thrown in prison?” Laila pleads, Lillianna does not respond.

“Lo is going to be so pissed if you kick ass without him,” Laila tries to drag her feet, but to no avail.

Craberos is sitting at a table in the center of Alexander's common room, mug in hand, Maikune is also at this table, chanting arcane words over a lit brass brazier. Craberos turns towards the door as Bran and Golos enter. 

"We ran into that Bard and Boy at the other inn. They have a sister who is really nice. Golos like her. She was following us but I guess she couldn’t keep up because she’s not here." Bran tells Craberos all in Elvish.

"They killed Paws," Craberos replies in Elvish, "I broke the girl's hand for it."

“But...but... but why kill a kitty?” Bran asks visibly upset at Paws death.

"The girl thinks she's special." Craberos shakes their head, "She believes everything is out to get her, even a cat. I hope we don't see them again."

“I...I...I thought she might be nice like her sister but, shes more like her brother.” Bran gets out while trying to wipe away his tears. “I’m going to get some food.” He says sorrowfully before going to whoever is working and inquiring about a meal.

"Remember, the familiar is ephemeral, she will return shortly."

Loark comes walking out of the bathroom, glistening and refreshed. He stands on the balcony looking down at the patrons, muscles flexing in the cool air. I no stink now... He thinks in the bearling's voice. Still, he wonders what kind of workout the small creature does. Had he had better breeding, he might even have been the size of an actual bear. The railing cracks as he leans forward, and Loark grins. He wiggles it a little to loosen it up, but is startled when the innkeep yells out, "Ay!! You up there. Put some clothes on!" All eyes turn to Loark, and his muscles flex one last time before he heads back to his room, a large grin on his face. Jealous...

Golos tells Craberos, “Golos made friend.”

Maikune is not paying attention to what's going on, he's just chanting with his eyes closed over a lit brass brazier

Craberos smiles at Golos, "Yes, I heard"

Lillianna stormed into the inn, dragging her sister behind her. She scanned the room quickly, her expression changing once she saw Golos and Bran. Rushing over, she said with a smile, "Hey! There you are!"

Craberos turns, "Iphyl give me strength, they're twins!"

"Hi," Lillianna said sticking out a slightly grubby hand. "I'm Lillianna!"

Golos perks up. "This Golos friend!" He jumps up and hugs her.

Craberos takes the hand, not minding the dirt, "Craberos. I instantly like you better."

Lillianna grinned and hugged Golos with her free hand. "Better? Okay." She shrugged, confused. "We're looking for a crab man."

Laila squirmed under her sister’s grasp.

"There are no crab men here." Craberos says looking at Laila, "I will allow this to pass. We are in a place of civilization, it would be unseemly."

Lillianna nods and turns to Laila. "No crabs here." Then to Golos, "Do you know where this crab man is?"

Golos whispers very loudly and points, "That crab man!"

"I am not a man!" Craberos looks sternly at Golos.

“Sorry” Golos says out loud 

"It is fine Golos, but we've gone over it before." Craberos says

Lillianna looks at Craberos. "We're looking for the person who hurt my sister."

“I... didn’t have much of a choice in coming here,” Laila looked at Craberos apologetically.

"Oh, yes, that would be me. She killed a cat, she paid for it." Craberos take a sip of their drink.

“Lilli, we should go,” Laila tugged at her arm.

”Stay. Eat.” Golos interrupts with 

Lillianna stared at Craberos a moment, their words sinking in. She slowly turned to her sister, shock written all over her face. "You... killed... a... c-cat?"

“Yes,” Laila said simply. “I thought they were assassins, and since the cat was a familiar, I thought they were using it to track us. But since it is a familiar, the cat isn’t really dead, and I paid them the amount necessary to re-summon it.”

Lillianna continued to stare at her sister, tears welling up in her eyes. "You. Killed. A. Cat."

“I’ve also been responsible for the deaths of several dozen humans,” Laila scowled. “I do what I have to. It seemed necessary.”

"Did you at least eat it?" Lillianna asks 

“No, it was a magic cat. It poofed, and the wizard there is in the process of getting it back. It’s not really dead.” Laila replies 

Lillianna looks very saddened by this, and sits in an open seat.

"Lilli need drink?" Golos asks. “Yes” she replies

"Bran? How Golos get drink for friend?" Golos asks 

“I’m sorry, Lilli,” Laila sighed. “It was why I was trying to keep you away.”

Craberos stands, "I'll get the drink. What would you like?"

"Mead," Lillianna said, crestfallen.

“Craberos will get it” Bran tells Golos. “Craberos can you get me some food too. I...I had a panic attack and now I’m hungry.”

Craberos nods and goes to the bar 

Turning to Laila, Lillianna asked, "Why did he hurt your hand?"

“They hurt my hand because I killed his cat.” She responds 

“Let..Let...Let me see it. I’m...I’m...I’m skilled in medicine.” Bran offers

“My hand is fine,” Laila backed away from Bran.

"Sestra," Lillianna said, standing and taking Laila by the shoulder. "Please let him look at it."

“I...I...I promise I’m good at it. I...I...I even healed Golos.” Bran offers

“Your skills would be wasted, it isn’t a big deal,” Laila rose to her feet. “I don’t need to be indebted to you.”

"Laila," Lillianna said, softly.

Craberos returns with mead for Lillianna and platter of food for Bran, "If you need healing, I can provide it. However Bran requires the practice." They motion for Bran to look at Laila. “You will accept his help.” 

Lillianna will take Craberos by the hand and begin to shake it furiously. "I'm so, so, so, so, so very sorry for the actions of my sister. What can I do to repay this? The loss of a pet is always a hard thing to deal with. Please, tell me, I want to make this right."

"It was not my familiar. it was the wizard's. They are bringing a new familiar into the world, do not interrupt him."

Lillianna sat, dejected, and took a huge swig on her mead.

“No...no...no Laila. Let...let...Let me look at it. My...my...my mentor broke it. It’s...It’s...It’s the least I can do.” Bran says

“No, you don’t get to tell me what to do,” Laila rose to her feet. “I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not going to have you fix something that isn’t even broken. Lilli, I’m going back to our brother. When you’re done having fun, please come back to our room.”

Lillianna looked at her sister, sadly, unsure of what to do.

"Why Laila mad? Drink mead. Mead make happy." Golos says 

"Golos, only a little mead. We don't need a have another incident." Craberos states 

Lillianna stood, slowly, he head bowed. "I'm very sorry. I should go."

Bran, kind of sad at his friends leaving just sits there and takes a piece of cheese. Breaking some of it off and giving it to Aladdin before nibbling on a it himself.

"No leave. No be sorry. Friends all stay." Golos pleads 

"Sorry, Golos," Lillianna said, giving his head a scratch. "My sister and brother will be mad at me if I don't go back. But, I found you, like I said I would."

Golos looks crestfallen, but nods. "Find Golos again."

Lillianna nodded and gave his head a pat before dragging her feet to the door, after her sister. Once outside, she took a deep breath and put a smile on her face.

Laila stormed toward the Lodge, not noticing her sister following her.

Lillianna runs to catch up to Laila and loops her arm with her sisters, walking side by side with her, smile on her face.

“I thought you were going to stay with your friends,” Laila’s eyes remained on the ground. “You don’t need to come back with me. I can make it the six blocks alone without killing any more cats or getting any more bones broken.”

"I'm not mad at you," Lillianna said softly. "I love you."

“I know,” Laila said softly. “I love you too.”

Lillianna runs to catch up to Laila and loops her arm with her sisters, walking side by side with her, smile on her face.

As they walked away from the inn, and possibly the only friends she'd made in years, outside of wildlife, Lillianna spared one last look behind her. Oh well, she thought. Turning to her sister, she smiled. "How long do you expect us to stay here?"

"I'm contemplating leaving tonight," Laila murmured. "We've attracted too much attention here as it is."

"I already paid for the room," Lillianna said, sing-song. "I'm sure Loark is already stinking up the place. We might as well make use of it."

Lilliana, the bastard, knew exactly what buttons to push for Laila. "That's the only reason we haven't left already," she admitted. "That, and the fact that Loark is probably butt naked at this very moment."

Lillianna giggled. "The kid would be naked all the time if we didn't force him to wear clothes."

"Naked and in bed with someone," Laila grinned wickedly.

Lillianna rolled her eyes. "He has all the luck. Here I was hoping to find some luck of my own while here. Oh well!" She leaned her head against her sisters. "Where are we going next?"

"Wherever the wind takes us," Laila replied. "No missions for a while, remember? We're just hiding for now."

The smile on Lillianna's lips faded a moment, but was replaced almost instantly. "Okay. Whatever you say."

"You can go back, you know."

"No, it's fine. You're right." Lillianna gave a smile to a passerby. "What's the point of making friends when they'll only get hurt because of us?"

“Not to them. I mean, you could go back back,” Laila said solemnly.

"Why would I do that," Lillianna asked, looking at her sister, confused.

“I dunno, Lill,” Laila sighed. “Maybe because traveling with your brother and sister isn’t exactly all it’s cracked up to be. Or because you miss your friends.”

"You mean the dogs? Sure, I miss them. I never really fit in back there, and you know it." Lillianna gave a nod to those they passed. "This whole... thing... isn't my thing, you know? I'm here because of you and Loark. What would I do on my own?"

“Pet way more dogs,” Laila said matter-of-factly.

"I pet every single dog I see. Being alone won't make it any different." Lillianna pulled her sister to a stop. "Are you trying... to get me to leave?

“No, no, Lillianna, I love you and your company,” Laila assured her sister. “I just... don’t know if you traveling with me makes you happy, and that’s what I want.”

"I do what I have to do."

“No, I do what I have to do,” the bard objected. “You should have the freedom to do what you want.”

"I choose to travel with you." Lillianna began to walk again, still smiling. "I like meeting new people."

They walked together in silence for a few moments. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the cat,” Laila finally said.

"It's okay," Lillianna said, quietly. "I would have liked to have met it. I feel bad for that poor wizard."

“Love, you do realize the wizard is resummoning the cat as we speak, right?” Laila raised an eyebrow.

"If that means getting a new one, it's just not the same."

“No, it’s literally the same cat,” Laila explained slowly. “It’s a magic cat.”

Lillianna squints at her sister, skeptical. "Cats aren't magical, Laila."

“Well not all of them are, Lill,” Laila objected. “Which twin knows magic and which twin can shoot arrows into a perfect heart on a tree a hundred steps away?”

Lillianna shrugged. "Never met a magical cat before. Maybe some day I will!" She suddenly spotted a stray dog in an alley and rushed off toward it. "Hello puppy," she said in baby-speak. "Who's a good pupper? You are! Yes you are!"

When the fire from the brazier dies down, the brown-and-black kitten climbs out and sits on the table.  Craberos stands, "I don't think it's safe to sleep here."

"What makes you say that?" Maikune asks, looking up from the soot covered kitten.

Craberos, in Elvish says, "Remember what we were told about the use of arcane magic?"

“The Lodge is really nice. They have actual rooms and baths. I’d prefer to sleep there and not so much in the open as here.” Bran offers in Elvish.

"Ah, I do see your point. Though perhaps we could explain that they have a cat-murderer on their hands?" Maikune suggests.

"We can do that elsewhere." Craberos picks up their shield and looks to Bran and then to Golos. Golos makes some grunting noises. He doesn't speak Elvish and wanted to be part of the conversation.

“We’re heading back to the lodge.” Bran explains to Golos.

"Fine. At least let me clean up my mess." He quickly empties the brazier into a bin and puts it into his small pack. With a pained "Mrowr", Paws climbs onto his shoulder and begins to lick herself clean of the soot and ash.

Craberos looks at the cat on Maikune's shoulder, "Have we learned something about sneaking off?"

"Mowr," The kitten mewls sadly.

Craberos nods, "Are we all ready?" Everyone nods and the group leaves Alexander's behind.

Back At the Lodge

“Loark, are you wearing pants?” Laila said as she opened the door to the room they would share, not waiting for a response.

Lillianna covered her eyes and followed, keeping a hand on Laila's shoulder.

"Of course!" Loark responds, lifting a huge rock above his head. He lowers it to the ground, then lifts it again.

Lillianna peeked through her fingers. "Oh, thank goodness." She flopped down on one of the beds with a sigh and stared at the ceiling.

"What's the plan?" Loark asks between reps. "We leaving tonight?"

"No, Lilli already paid for the room," Laila sighed. "Besides, I think it's my turn to take a bath."

"Bring your clothes," Loark warns. "I guess they frown on nudity here."

"Perhaps for you, but some of us actually look good without clothes on," Laila winked before leaving the room and heading to the baths.

Loark looks at Lillianna, mouth agape, "At least... shit. I can't think of a comeback. Hurry, help, before she gets too far."

Lillianna rolls her head off the bed, looking at Loark upside down. "You want me to help you insult someone who looks exactly like me?" Thinking a moment, she said, "Try something about her needing to get laid."

"What? No! Gross." Loark frowns before continuing his workout.

"Oh please," Lillianna said, rolling her eyes, remaining upside down. "Gross is when you get laid."

"Wow... you both are on one today... oh... oh... I see." Loark nods knowingly.

Lillianna continues to stare at her younger brother as if she can't believe what he just said. Suddenly she sat up. "I want to have some fun. Let's go do something. We're leaving tomorrow, anyway."

Loark drops the rock, cracking a floorboard. "Lets."

"But... what?" Lilli asks

He pulls a dirty tunic from his pack and puts it on quickly. "I dunno... drink?"

"You know I'll never turn down a drink." Lillianna stood, stretching. "I wish we weren't on the run. It would be nice to make a friend or two."

Loark tucks the tunic into his pants and cinches his belt. "Shall we, milady?" He asks, gesturing at the door.

With a nod, Lillianna opened the door. "Free food and drink with the room," she said, winking to Loark.

Lilli and Loark head downstairs for an afternoon drink. When he approaches the small bar, he gives the innkeeper two fingers and says, "Mead, please!" Behind him, Lillianna holds up four fingers.

Loark turns and observes the occupants. "We should get a card game going," he comments.

"Great idea!" Lillianna looks around. "There's... nobody here worth playing against."

"I'm gunna grab my cards," Loarks says, heading upstairs. "Don't drink my mead again!" He calls behind him.

"Yeah, yeah," Lillianna said, taking the four mugs to an empty table, where she proceeded to down an entire mug in a single swig. She placed the empty mug at the empty chair across from her, leaving two full mugs in front of her. She looked at the stairs a moment, then quickly licked the rim of each mug. She smirked to herself and began on a second mug.

Loark rushes back down with a deck of cards in his hands. He plops down at Lilli's table and pulls a mug closer. "Mine," he says sternly.

"I licked that one." Lilli says with a grin.

Loark grabs a different one and starts drinking. He places the mug on the table. "This one, then."

"That one too." she says

"You can't have them all!" Loark complains

"I licked them... all." Lilli states simply

Loark wipes the rim with his dirty sleeve, "There."

Lillianna smirks again. "Cards?" She rubbed her hands together.

Loark deals out three cards to himself and Lilli.

He then tosses a gold on the table. "You ded, sis."

Lillianna throws a gold down. "You gave this one to me, anyway. Puppy fund. Think of the puppies!"

"You can't bet the puppy fund!" Loark says realizing he donated to it. 

"Then you'd better not win." Lilli says with a wink. 

"Read them and weep... bye bye puppy fund." He slides both coins closer, then turns towards the door as it opens. (Loark: 12 Lilli: 11)

"Cheater," Lillianna scowls into her mug.

As they walk in, Golos announces in his best imitation of wisdom, "No lift chairs. Make barman angry."

Bran enters with a smile at Golos comment “That’s right buddy. How bout we try a bath here tonight?” Bran asks Golos. 

Paws is sitting on Maikune's shoulder playing with his long brown hair. When she sees Loark, she scurries into Maikune's robe and hides, her little head barely peeking around his neck enough for her to see.

Golos scowls. "But Golos HAD bath." He starts trying to count on his fingers. "More than one days ago." (Its been 21 days since his last bath)

Loark grins at Lilli and whispers, "I think this night got a whole lot more interesting.

“But this bath isn’t to get you clean. It’s to relax you.” Bran says and as he continues to walk he says without missing a beat “Right Lillianna.”

"Bath for relax?" As his mind tries to grasp the concept, he hears the rest of Bran's thought. "Lilli? Lilli!" He makes a wolf howl as a greeting. As he was raised in the wild, it is not half bad.

Lillianna looked up from her mug, a grin slowly crossing her face. "Golos! You found me this time!"

"Oh." Craberos says at the sight of Loark and Lillianna. Craberos turns to the barkeep, "We'll take a room, four beds please." “And a bath too,” Bran adds in elvish. "And two baths." Craberos adds.

Golos beams and walks over to the table. "Bran help."

Lillianna rubbed his head. "I bet you did most of the work, though!" Turning to the others, she said, "But, what are you doing here?"

"Crabby want stay here." Golos says first followed by "Apparently getting my cat back is frowned upon by the people here." from Maikune and “I...I...I didn’t want to stay at the other place. And...and...and magic reasons.” Bran states his nervousness coming back once he notices that Loark is there.

Lillianna peers at Maikune. "You're the wizard?" She stands and walks over, taking Maikune by the hand. "I'm so, so, so, so, so very sorry for the actions of my siblings."

Craberos leaves to go to the room.

“Don’t...don’t...don’t mind Craberos. They...they....they take a while to get used to. What...what...what are you up to?” Bran says

"I'm sorry too," Loark says. "But I'm glad you're not assassins. Sit down!"

Golos tells Maikune, "No sit on table. Make barman mad."

“I’ll...I’ll...I’ll get some drinks and food. Then...then...then maybe we can talk.” Bran says before going to the bar and getting everyone, but himself, a thing of mead (Bran will just take some water) and some food but he’ll specify no meat.

Maikune allows the woman to take his hand, though he doesn't seem to show any emotion at all. "You've no need to be sorry, you did nothing. As for your siblings; it is not my right to forgive them, that is for Paws to decide." Paws climbs back onto his shoulder, and he scratches her head. "Don't worry baby, I won't let the mean guy hurt you again."

"Yeah... it was too easy to kill your magic thing. Just a..." Loark twists his hands together and makes a cracking noise. "You know, Lilli... like the rabbit last night. Or the chickens back in camp? Just a..." He does the cracking noise again.

Lillianna squeals at the sight of the kitten. "Oh my gosh, aren't you just the most precious thing ever!" She draws uncomfortably close to Maikune, so she's nearly face to face with the kitten.

Paws scrambles to hide again, causing Maikune to sigh deeply. "Your reenactment of her death is not helping." He turns to Lilliana. "If you get can your brother to apologize to Paws, I will see if she will let you hold her."

Lillianna turns sharply, giving Loark a look, saying nothing. He knows the look well.

Bran returns drinks in hand and says “Food...food...food will be here shortly. Here...here...here is drinks for everyone. Maybe...maybe...maybe this will help us get back on the right foot.”

"I couldn't eat it, Lilli, it was magic." Loark spreads his hands out. Lillianna's eyes widen, giving Loark an even harsher look. "Next time I'll try to eat it?" He asks. Lillianna's eyes narrow. "You're thick sometimes." She points at the kitten. "Apologize to the kitten."

"Oh, yeah. I'll do one better. I'll give it a shot at me." Loark stands, stretches, pops his neck, and takes a step toward Maikune, arms outstretched. Lillianna slaps a palm to her forehead. "Cat scared of stinky man." Golos pipes in.

Bran chimes in “I...I...I can translate. Oh..never...never...nevermind.” 

"That will not be necessary, she hates fighting. All I ask is for an apology." Maikune says

Craberos comes back downstairs, now without their shield, bow, and pack, looks at Loark leaning down next to Maikune and goes to the bar.

"Oh, ok. Ummm." He cocks his head to the side. "Hey, lil lady..." He coughs. She hisses, then goes wide-eyed like she scared herself. "I'm... uh, sorry you died so easily." He nods, looking at the fragile thing.

Golos tenses up, sensing that Paws is unhappy. His lip starts to curl back in a snarl, but he does not growl.

"Baby, will you give the mean man another chance?" Paws slowly climbs back out of Maikune's robe, onto his shoulder, then onto his head. She paws towards Lilliana, but keeps a wary eye on Loark.

Lillianna elbows Loark, hard, then reaches to pet Paws

“Maikune does...does...does Paws understand. Do...do...do I need to translate.” Bran pipes in and on seeing Craberos says, in Elvish, “I ordered food. I didn’t know you were coming down otherwise I would have gotten you a drink.”

"What?" He asks Lillianna. "I'd do it again if they were assassins."

"My baby can understand everything that I can. I appreciate the offer though." Maikune says

"They aren't and you were mistaken, and should feel bad for what you did." Lilliana sighs. "Go sit down and drink. We're all friends here!"

Golos begins muttering. He thinks it is under his breath, but he is not good at inner monologue. "Stinky man part of Lilli's den. No bite family of friends."

Lillianna looks at Craberos, and says, in Elvish, "Come join us!"

Craberos turns to the barkeep and sits down at the table, "A water please."

Loark plops down on his seat, now that that's all settled. He takes another swig of his mead and says, "Who wants to play a game of cards?? One gold each, winner takes all."

The cat falls off of Maikune's head and lands once more in his awaiting arms. "You're gonna hurt yourself if you keep falling. Once you're on the ground, the mean man might get you again." At this, Paws tries to climb into Maikune's sleeve, to no avail.

Loark gives the kitten a wink. Lillianna giggles at Paws. "May I," she asks, holding out cupped hands. She still presses herself against Maikune's chest, but timidly stretches a paw to brush against Lilliana's hand. 'Mrr?'

Dorobo comes out of his room and he’s the voice of one of the twin sisters. He comes downstairs and notices the same group from earlier and newer people. “Hey Lillianna, uhh.” He pauses for a second due to the nature of their meeting, “These your friends?”

Lillianna wiggles her fingers at the kitten, trying to lure her into a snuggle. She barely looks up when addressed. "Oh, hi, Dorobobo! Come join us, we're all friends here!"

Paws swats at Lilliana's fingers, trying not to fall off of Maikune's hands so the mean man doesn't get her.

"Dorobobo? You foreign?" Loark asks, gesturing to a seat.

Golos climbs onto a chair and sits next to Loark. Lillianna continues playing with Paws, still trying to lure her closer. 

Loark deals Golos three cards who sniffs them.

“Alright” Dorobo says, taking the seat Loark offers “So my name’s actually Dorobo and I’ve travelled alo-“ He notices the kitty. “I must say that kitten is adorable.” He says in a slightly childish voice.

"Not a real cat." Loark corrects.

“Really?” Dorobo is incredulous, not knowing any Arcana. “But it’s right in front of us.” 

Bran looks at Loark and then the cards he dealt Golos “Golos...Golos...Golos has never played this game. I...I...I haven’t either. Can...can...can you teach us?” Bran asks.

"She might feel safer if your brother wasn't here." Maikune says simply. "Perhaps she'll let you hold her in your room, where it's just the three of us."

"Nah Drobo. I can prove it..." He gestures for Maikune to hand him the kitten.

Lillianna immediately takes Maikune by the hand and begins dragging him to her room. "Let's go!"

Maikune's wand is suddenly in his hand, pointing at Loark. "I will put an end to your miserable existence."

"I was going to make it disappear, but... this works too." He shrugs and deals cards to Dorobo and Bran.

Satisfied, he tucks the wand back into his sleeve and allows Lilli to pull him away.

Dorobo steps back out of the chair, away from Loark. “I didn't mean to start anything” He says as Maikune is pulled away.

"No, they're fine! She just wants to pet the cat and it's afraid of me." He gestures to the cards. "One gold each to play!"

Craberos walks over to Dorobo, "Craberos, very nice to make your acquaintance. The cat is a familiar, summoned from another plane." Craberos gestures to Loark, "That brute killed the familiar earlier, but Maikune resummoned it." They sit, "Deal me in."

Loark deals Craberos three cards. Brute!! he thinks, Maybe she's hitting on me...

“Craberos...Craberos...Craberos you know how to play?” Bran asks and with Paws gone Aladdin, the mouse appears out of Bran’s pocket.

Dorobo has no idea about what a familiar, the only knowledge of Arcana he has is when a wizard uses magic things die. “Alright Craberos, nice to meet you. I take you’re Loark, and you’re Golos” he says pointing to each of them as he says their name. “But what’s your name,” He say, pointing at Bran.

"I once played a game similar to this, but that was over 70 years ago. And besides, sitting at the bar won't keep you out of trouble." Craberos slides a gold piece into the center of the table.

Loark tosses a gold on the table and takes another drink of his mead.

“It’s...its...its Bran.” He says as he fronts a gold and tells Golos to put a shiny metal piece there as well.

"Each card has a value," he explains. "The one with the highest cards wins. Simple!"

Golos pulls a coin from his pouch and pushes it forward.

“Nice to you!” He puts on a friendly face. “Say, Loark deal me in too” He says sitting back down and placing a gold piece in the pot. Loark deals Dorobo three cards.

As everyone gets their cards Dorobo attempts to cheat (Sleight of Hand: 8) but everyone sees. 

Loark flicks his hand as it gets close to the deck. "Looks like you fold, huh?" He asks.

“Yeah, not confident in this one” He places his hand down.

"Golos! What do you have?" Loark asks. (Loark has the highest hand and wins)

Golos looks at Bran. "That game dumb."

As all cards are revealed, Loark is the clear victor. He pumps his fist and grabs the gold in a pile. He then pushes each coin back to them, grinning. "It was a good trial game," he says.

"Agreed, I remember it being a lot more fun." Craberos frowns.

Golos looks at Loark. "Why Golos get shiny back?"

"We need more drinks for it to be more fun," Loark gestures for more drinks, pointing at everyone at the table.

"Just a water please." Craberos clarifies Loark's order.

"Crab man no like Golos drink lots. No want have...uh...indigent." Golos says,

"I don't want to take your gold," Loark says. "I barely know ya! You don't make friends by taking all their money."

“Hey thanks, deal me another hand then. I won’t fold this time.” He says pushing the gold piece back in, looking at Loark. “Also just some ale for me.” He says with a big smile.

"Incident, yes another water," Craberos says

Golos concentrates hard. "In-ci-dent. Incident." He nods.

“It was not real. Next time he takes our gold.” Bran says to Golos. He then remembers a time before Craberos and how he used to slip coins out of people pouches. He wonders if he can do that with the cards too.

Loark hands the cards to Bran, "Deal us in!"

“Oh..oh...okay” Bran then shuffles the deck but he’s going to try and shuffle in a way that Craberos would get all high cards. Curious if he can still do it. (Sleight of Hand: 9)

"Golos will watch. No get this game." Golos says.

"You've done this before!" Loark comments, a grin on his face.

“I...I...I can’t shuffle like I use to. Here I’ll try this instead.” Bran then makes a pile of all the cards face down on the table and just moves them about with his hands before picking them all back up again.

Golos sees Bran fiddle with the cards and he saw Dorobo try to do it, too. He thinks this is just a thing you do. So, even though he isn't playing, he leans over the table and tries to surreptitiously swipe one. Golos leans as though he is getting food and palms a card.

Bran then deals out 3 cards to everyone after the reshuffle and puts his gold back into the center pot.

Craberos slides a gold piece into the center.

The cards are dealt and the hand is revealed... Loark wins again.

"Well, that's enough for me," Carberos says.

"A noble attempt," Loark says. "It's good to know what company you bring." This time Loark pouches the coins.

Golos looks at Loark and asks, "What Golos do with this?" and holds up the 4.

Loark grins. "I'll take it, bear-friend."

Golos hands it to him, confused. He shrugs. Golos looks at Bran, "Golos took a card. Golos did good?"

"Better than others," Loark comments.

“That means it’s time for a bath.” Bran says to Golos and reaches for his hand.

Golos leans over to Loark and whispers. "Do bath help relax?"

"No... but if you lift things when you're done, your muscles grow bigger." He nods to Golos, serious.

“If...if...if you’ll excuse us Loark. I’ll...I’ll...I’ll see you in the morning.” Bran says to the human man slightly pulling Golos to go. 

He gets up and follows Bran. "Bath." he nods.

"So," Loark says to Craberos once most of the table has cleared. "You think I'm brutish?" His chest muscle flexes as he says this, a slight smile on his face.

"Yes." Craberos responds, "You're nothing short of that."

"I've been curious about you as well," he says, thinking their answer was positive. "Ever since you twisted Laila's hand... you're pretty strong yourself, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am." Craberos says, slightly confused.

"Perhaps you'd like to have a small test of strength. Something in camp we used to do all the time." Loark places his elbow on the table, arm up. "A simple test of strength," he says.

"You're incredibly competitive," Craberos remarks, putting forward their arm, "I bet you were not liked at this 'camp'."

"It's all about bettering oneself to better protect those you care for," He winks at Craberos, and puts their hand in his. "Soft... he says, but strong. It's a very nice grip..."

"Thank you. I find however, that the way to prove yourself better is not against another but against yourself," Craberos responds.

He keeps his hand in theirs. "Show me," he says, letting their touch linger.

Craberos pulls away, "What? Oh. I understand." Craberos frowns, "I will see 21 generations of your family line perish before I myself die."

"That's impressive," Loark replies. "Best enjoy me while I'm still around."

"You are like Paws, something so cute, something naive, something so easily crushed." Craberos doesn't show any signs of effort as they crush Loark's hand, slamming it into the table. "Next time," Craberos pats Loark's hand, still pinned to the table, "you hit on me, it will be the last thing you do." They stand and walk away.

Loark's grin never falters as he watches Craberos walk away. He looks over to Dorobo and smiles saying, "Ever meet someone and think... she could be the one?"

Craberos comes back, "Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention, I'm not a girl." They walk away again.

"Now I'm just curious," he adds, nudging Dorobo. "Yeah... you know what I mean. Innkeep! Another drink for my silent friend and I." Loark gestures for the innkeep.

Lillianna pulls Maikune into her shared room and closes the door behind them. She turns around, wide-eyed, and says, with grabby hands, "Kitty, kitty, kitty!"

"It's okay baby, the mean man is gone. I won't let this woman hurt you. Lilliana, was it?" He sets Paws on the ground, and she timidly reaches towards Lilli once more.

"Lillianna, yes," she says as she wiggles a finger at the kitten. "Who's the cutest kitty ever? You are! Yes, you are!" Paws still has a bit of soot behind her ears and a bit of scepticism in her eyes but at Maikune's words, she takes a few steps forward, pouncing on Lilliana's finger playfully.

Lillianna squeals again, wiggling more fingers. "You're such a good little kitty! Yes, you are! Yes, you are!"

Paws continues to play with Lilliana, Maikune looking on without any emotion. "You know, this is the fastest she's ever opened up to anyone. You must have a way with animals."

"I love animals," Lillianna cooed, suddenly pulling Maikune to the bed. Once there, Lillianna put her hands under the blankets and began to wiggle her fingers, trying to entice Paws out of hiding. "I was raised by wolves, you know." Paws jumps and playfully fights her fingers from the top of the blanket, thinking that it was another kitten. Maikune sits beside Lilli on the bed, his expression still emotionless. Lillianna's expression, however, is one of pure joy. She giggles as the kitten attacks her covered hands. "She's so adorable. I'm glad she's okay. I feel really bad about what happened. If I were there, I would have stopped it."

"It was my fault. I was careless and I let her out of my sight."

Lillianna looked at Maikune. "I swear to you, as long as I'm around, I will not allow my siblings to hurt Paws again. Of course, we're leaving tomorrow, but still!"

"Leaving tomorrow? Where to, if you don't mind my asking?"

Lillianna shrugs. "I don't know. I'm not the one who makes the plans, I just follow them." She frowns a moment, but it's quickly replaced with another smile. "I'm glad you guys showed up here. I was worried it would be a boring night."

"I see. Well, you are much nicer than either of your siblings, and I am glad I met you, otherwise, my impression of your family would be less than favourable. And Paws seems to like you, which is enough for me."

Lillianna shrugs. "Laila and Loark do what they've gotta do to keep us alive. Don't think bad of them. We've been on the run for a while."

"On the run? Did you anger your mother as well?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. Paws stops playing with Lilli's hand, walking into her lap and curling up into a ball to nap.

Oops, thought Lillianna. Said too much, again! "No, nothing like that. We're just travelling."

"Ah. Makes sense." He reaches over and absently begins to pet Paws. "You're much different company than the Crab or the Kid. I wouldn't mind at all if we were to cross paths again in the future."

"That would be nice," Lillianna said, thinking. "What is your group doing here?"

"We're here for supplies and rest. As for what comes after, I am unsure."

"That's a shame," Lillianna said, laying across the bed, allowing Paws to pounce at her. "I might be able to convince my siblings to stick with you guys. It's... doubtful, however."

"We could always use the extra hands, and the baby really seems to like you. I know not who you're running from, but seven bodies are better than three when fighting off... 'assassins'."

Lillianna bit her lip. "I... didn't say we were... Oh, wait, I did say we were running. Shit. Um. You didn't hear that." She waved her hand in front of Maikune's face. "You know nothing."

"Your brother killed my cat because he thought she belonged to an assassin. It was not hard to infer that you would be running as well. I can keep that to myself, if you'd like." He explained, unfazed by her hand in his face.

Lillianna remains silent a moment, her hand still in Maikune's face. "It's nothing, really. My siblings are paranoid, that's all." She went silent again, thinking of something. "I did... a thing... and they are just trying to protect me." She smiled, hoping he wouldn't press her on it.

He nods understandingly. "I will not ask any further questions, just know that my offer still stands. I'm sure I can convince the Crab, and the Bear and Kid already love you," He smiles brightly. "I'm sure your brother and I can make amends if that worries you." His monotone is gone, replaced with a very friendly, calming voice.

"What worries me is Craberos and Laila." Lillianna sat and pulled Paws into her lap. "Craberos hurt Laila because of what happened to the kitten."

"Craberos did what they did because Laila placed her hand on their shoulder. As long as personal boundaries are established I do not see that being an issue." He stops petting Paws, placing his hand on her leg reassuringly.

Lillianna smiled at Maikune. "I'm sure we can work something out. Laila isn't a bad person. She's just... very protective."

"Understandably so. Family must be protected, no matter the cost, and I'm sure she will see the benefit to having four more bodyguards for her beloved sister."

Lillianna shrugged, scratching Paws behind the ears. "I can take care of myself. She's just... the smart one."

"In a battle of blade and bow, who's smarter is not always the determining factor." Paws feels the scratch and rolls over, revealing her belly to Lilliana for rubs. "You're kind, you're good with animals, you're cheerful; You're wonderful." He lays on the charm. "We all need a bit of aid every now and again, nobody is perfect. Do not let it keep you down."

Lillianna blushes slightly. "I'm hardly perfect." She rubs the offered kitty belly, smiling happily. She looks at his hand, remaining on her leg. "I mean... if you want to say I'm perfect, I won't stop you."

He smiles, moving his hand from her leg around her shoulder and holding her closer. "I will say whatever it takes to clear your thoughts of imperfection, and I will mean it."

Lillianna's blush deepens. "Well, you're a charmer. But you realize, you haven't even told me your name. I've met Paws, and told you a little of myself, don't I get the courtesy of getting to know you, as well?"

"I haven't?" He cocks his head, thinking. "My name is Maikune Iechyd. I told your siblings earlier and it spaced my mind, I am terribly sorry..." His cheeks redden beneath his hood.

Grinning, Lillianna scooted closer. "Nice to meet you, Maikune and Paws. I hope we can convince our respective groups to stick together, so we get time to get to know each other better."

"We seem to have a bit of time to ourselves at the moment. Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"

"Not much to tell," Lillianna said, resting her head on his shoulder. "I was raised by wolves. Okay, honestly, I never cared about... well, much of anything. So dad focused on Laila and... I just... did whatever I wanted. He didn't really care." She shrugged. "Whatever. I just really love having my freedom. Even if I don't really have it."

"You're free-spirited and nothing can tie you down." He smiles, gently petting her hair as she rests on his shoulder. "Though I am a bit curious about the wolves. Our buddy Golos was raised by bears, but you seem much more... sophisticated than he."

"I wasn't really raised by wolves." Lillianna giggled. "I just slept with the dogs most of the time. I didn't care much for the lessons or anything they tried to get me to do. I learned, eventually, I guess."

"Sometimes, our pets are just more understanding of us." He mutters, mostly to himself. "The closest thing I've had to a father was my professor, Dawon Athrawon. When he died, I was lost."

"Our mom died when Laila and I were young. I don't... really remember her. I don't think her and I would have gotten along well. She would have liked Laila better." Lillianna thought a moment, then began to giggle. "I think Loark would have annoyed her. Not in a bad way, though, more like 'ugh what is this kid doing?"

"I'm sure you two would've gotten along rather well. You had to get your wanderlust from somewhere." Paws is lightly snoring as Lilli continues to rub her belly. "and speaking of Laila, she's been rather absent since our arrival. I would hate for her to find us here and get the wrong idea..."

Lillianna laughed. "She'll be in the bath for the next four hours." She turned and looked Mikune directly in the eye, a lopsided smile on her lips. "You should be worried about my little brother."

"Quite honestly, your sister scares me more than your brother ever could. I could shield myself from his punches, but her words cut deep." He chuckles lightheartedly.

"Eh, just ignore her," Lillianna said smiling. "I can handle my sister. She can't say no to me. Well, she can. And often does." She pauses thinking, then shrugs. "I just do whatever I want anyway."

"And what, per say, do you want to do? Surely being cooped up is as unpleasant as I imagine it to be?"

"I'd love to go back to the mountains," Lillianna said quickly. "Or the forest," she followed up, just as quickly. "Find some wolves. That would be nice. What about you?"

He thinks for a moment. "I've been searching for an ancient grimoire. Athrawon died for it, I'd like to know why. I haven't given much thought to anything else..."

"Oooh, a grimoire!" Lillianna sits up, intrigued. "I don't know what that is, but it sounds fancy!"

He smiles at her enthusiasm. "It's a tome of arcane knowledge going back centuries. The magic within could change the very shape of the universe!" His sudden excitement dies down. "Or, that's what Athrawon used to say. I'm not sure myself, I just want to carry on his legacy."

"Sounds dangerous," Lillianna said, a glint in her eyes. "Sounds fun!"

"Yes. Quite fun. You wouldn't want to miss out, would you?"

"Never!" Lillianna positioned herself facing Maikune, careful not to wake the sleeping kitten. "Tell me more!"

"I'm afraid I've already told you everything I know about it. I would love to learn more with you by my side, if you are willing."

"It could takes us really far away," Lillianna thought out loud. "Laila couldn't possibly find fault in that, right?" She excitedly took his hand. "I'll help, as much as I can! Besides, I promised to protect Paws."

n taking Maikune's hand she accidentally startles Paws, causing her to wake and stretch before climbing onto Lilliana's shoulder and licking her cheek. Maikune holds her hand as she holds his, smiling warmly. "Yes, very far away, and there is no one I'd rather have by my side."

Lillianna giggled and nuzzled the kitten. "You're sweet. You're kinda alright, too, Maikune."

"I try my best." He jokes, watching as Paws climbs onto Lilli's head and begins playing with her hair.

Lillianna giggles and flops onto the bed, using her blonde hair to play with Paws. "I just know we'll all be the best of friends!"

As the cat and Lillia begin to play once more, Maikune pulls out a leather-bound book from his robe and flips through it, jotting down 'Likes Lilliana' on a page labelled 'Paws', below a list of materials and various instructions of how to summon the kitten.

"So... Paws isn't a real cat?" Lillianna looks up at Maikune, but remains focused on the kitten. "That's what Laila and Loark tried to tell me. But she feels real. How can she not be real?"

"She is a manifestation of arcane energies from another plane. She is a real cat, just not from this world."

Lillianna stares at Maikune as if he had spoken gibberish.

"She's real, and if she ever dies all I need is an hour and 10 gold worth of charcoals and incense to bring her back." He thinks for a moment. "She can take on other forms, as well; birds, fish, wolves, pretty much any animal you can think of."

Lillianna raises an eyebrow, even more confused.

"She's special."

"Yeah," Lillianna said, agreeing. She repositioned herself, resting her head on Maikune's leg. "She's pretty awesome. I'm still confused on how she can be a wolf and a cat. I think I'd like to see that, someday."

"Perhaps I can teach you to summon your own familiar, someday." He gently begins to stroke her hair as she lays on his leg.

Lillianna looks dreamily up at the ceiling, lost in her daydream. "Someday, I'll have my own wolf friend who will follow me and hunt with me. It'll be great."

Paws climbs onto Lilliana again and begins kneading her paws into her belly.

Lillianna giggles and squeals. "That tickles!" She wiggles around under the kitten, trying to prevent the tickles, but not wanting to disturb her.

'Mow?' She tilts her head, confused. Maikune looks on, smiling. "We should probably head back before your brother decides to take my head off. It was fun, getting to spend time like this."

"Oh," Lillianna said, sitting. "Okay. I guess. Sure." She sadly pats the kitten again, then hands her over.

He takes Paws and puts her on his shoulder, the two of them walking back to the group's table.

As Bran and Golos walk into the bath he tells him “Remember Golos if there are other people in here we can’t splash them.” And then as he sees Laila there, naked, Bran instantly lets go of Golos’s hand and covers his eyes “I’m...I’m...I’m...I’m...I’m Sorry!” He finally gets out.

“It’s a public bath, you have every right to be here as I do, Green-Bean,” Laila smiles, sending a little splash of water at both the barbarian and the Druid.

“I’ve..I’ve...I’ve...I’ve never been in the bath with a girl before.” Bran says a blush on his face

“And I’ve never been in a bath with a bearling before,” Laila shrugged. “Here, do this help?” The bard cast minor illusion, creating two censor bars in the appropriate places. As her hand leaves the pendant around her neck to cast the spell, you catch a glimpse of a gorgeous necklace with a huge, red gem in the center.

“Yes...yes...yes...yes it does. Thank...thank...thank you.” Bran is then going to lead Golos behind whatever type of screen to disrobe and help the halfling disrobe. He then returns with the halfling, towel wrapped around Bran, and slowly and carefully, as to not show anything, sinks into the water. You’d notice that he too did not take off his necklace but his is a simple wooden circle with the symbol for the Syl tribes carved out in it.

“Anytime, Green-Bean.” Laila says 

“My...my...my name isn’t Green-Bean. It’s...its...its Bran.” He says feeling a little safer with the majority of his body below the water.

“Relax, nicknames are a form of endearment,” Laila closed her eyes and rested her head against the stone. “If I used your real name, it would mean things are serious. But, if you wish, I will call you by your given name.”

“Thank...thank...thank you.” Bran says. Not liking the awkward silence that follows Bran speaks up with “Your...your...your brother is good at cards. And...and...and nicer than I thought.”

“Yeah, Lo an Lil are the sweet ones,” Laila smirked. “I’m the meany of the family.”

“Your...your...you’re not mean; you’re like Craberos. Serious...serious and protective.” Bran states noticing the slight similarities between the two.

“Oh, I am mean. You just haven’t seen me get truly get cruel yet,” Laila opened her eyes and glanced sideways at Bran.

He looks away at first but then tries to sneak a glance at her wrist that she wouldn’t let him see earlier. It’s a little black and blue. 

“Can...can...can I please see your wrist? It...it...it looks bad and my magic can help it.” Bran says with concern on his face for it.

“I’m not planning to become indebted to you, Bran. It’s not that bad,” Laila said, the traces of smile gone from her voice.

“You...you...you wouldn’t be indebted to me. I...I...I just don’t like seeing things get hurt. Especially...Especially if I can help.” Bran says

“Fine,” Laila held out her hand. “If that’s really the way you see the world work.”

“Thank...thank you.” Bran then takes the wrist and begins inspecting the bruise and looking to make sure it’s not broken or anything. Laila winces a little at the contact.

“So...no bath?” Golos finally says

“Hop in, Bearling.” Laila responds. 

“It’s...its...its not broken just a really bad bruise. This...this...this would normally take a couple days to heal but, I can shorten it to the night.” Bran then puts his hands together on the wrist and focuses his powers. A green energy flows out of him and into Laila as he cast Cure Wounds and the swelling instantly goes down and her wrist feels better but not 100%. (Medicine: 24) 

“Thank you,” Laila said genuinely. “You didn’t need to do that, but I appreciate it.”

Golos jumps into the water. Laila grins as she gets splashed. 

“Golos!” Bran then begins to say something but seeing Laila just grin at his antics he instead laughs.

“So what’s your story, Green-Bean? Why are you and the bearling traveling with two sticks in the mud?”

Once in the bath, Golos tries to make the best of it, splashing around and enjoying himself. “Bath better with fish.” He pronounces.

“Craberos...Craberos spared me when I was young. And...and I found Golos with the bears.” Bran says

“So your paying off a debt?” Laila questions. 

“No...no...nothing like that. They...they...they is my mentor. Help...help me become a leader of the tribe.” Bran says proudly.

“And the wizard?” She continues 

“He...he...he was ambushed by goblins in our forest. Now...now...now we’re traveling together to find some spell for him.” Bran explains while gesturing Golos over so he can wash his hair properly.

“Interesting,” Laila sunk into the water. “I’m sorry I thought you were all assassins.”

“We’re...we’re...we’re not sneaky enough for that. When..when...when...Craberos is in armor you can hear him from a mile away. It’s...its...its like thunder.” Bran says

“There are two kinds of hiding, Green-Bean,” Laila smirked. “You can hide behind shadows, or you can hide in plain sight behind lies. The latter is often harder to spot.”

“I’ve...I’ve...I’ve never thought of it like that. I’m...I’m...I’m...no good at lying. Neither...neither is Golos or Craberos.” Bran says after giving the Lailas sentence some thought

“The best liars make you think you’re bad at lying.” Laila says 

“Golos bad at lying. Bran tell Golos this.” The hafling says 

“Now you I believe,” Laila laughed.

“Is...is...is your brother good at lying. He...he...he is good at cards so he must be good at lying.” Bran says associating lying with bluffing in cards.

“He’s alright. Not much of a thinker, my brother,” Laila winked. “You have to think that a lie will be beneficial in a situation to actually do it. I don’t know if he thinks that far ahead.”

“Well...well...well it was really nice getting to talk to you Laila. Hopefully...hopefully we can meet again. We...we...we are heading out tomorrow. Maybe...maybe...maybe we can travel together?” Bran offers

“Come now, Green-Bean,” Laila laughed. “You don’t really want to travel with a meany like me.”

Bran smiles a little bit before saying “Your...your...you’re not mean. And...and...and your siblings make up for it.”

“Golos like Lilli and Laila. Stinky man not so bad too.” 

Bran just smiles at Golos comment and says to him, but is is well aware of Laila there “I...I...I like them too. I...I...I even like the stinky man.”

Not wanting to disturb Laila any longer Bran grabs Golos and tells him “Come. Bath time is over. Time for bed.” And then turns to Laila and says a short “Good...Goodbye.” Before drying each other off and retreating back to their their room for the night.

“Goodbye Green-Bean and Bearling!” Laila waved.

The two then retreat to their room. 

Golos and Bran come into the room where they, Craberos, and Maikune are staying. 

"Golos had bath. Laila was there." Golos proclaims.

Craberos nods, looking up from their viol, "How was it?"

"Wet. Better with fish."

"Fish are fun." Craberos agrees. Golos nods.

“It was good. I’m beginning to really like them. They’re not so bad when you actually talk to them. I even though Loarks game was fun. I just wish I was better at it.” Bran says as he dries off Golos and then begins to get him some clothes on for bed

"What make game fun? Just pictures on cards." Golos asks, resisting the Bran's efforts to put a shirt on the halfling.

"That's good to hear." Craberos puts down the bow of the viol, "Some people enjoy the tension and chance that goes into it. But speaking of them, I realize I haven't explained something to you that I should have earlier."

“I enjoyed the people being together and having fun.” Bran explains to Golos and then hearing Craberos’s comment says “What didn’t you tell us?”

"Well, you're almost of age and so are you," Craberos gestures to Golos, "Or at least Shaman Gennal says he is. And well, you didn't really meet many of the other almost adults so this is not something you would be aware of... Um, uh," Craberos sighs, they seem frustrated at their inability to explain.

"What is it Craberos? Just say it." Bran says not entirely sure what’s going on.

"Loark flirted with me, it was weird, uncalled for, and gross!" Craberos exclaims, this is the most distraught Bran or Golos has ever seen Craberos, "I want to make sure, as hormonal beings you don't make a similar misstep especially as we're out of the woods now and there may be real consequences for tripping on your own tongue!"

“Lorak... was...was flirting with you.” Bran repeats distraught at the statement. “Does...does that mean I’m not allowed to talk to him?” Bran asks quietly.

"Golos no know what flir-ting is. Golos no flirt?"

"No you are allowed to talk to him." Craberos says. "Flirting is like an animal mating ritual, however, it's done usually through talking and metaphors, words that mean other things. But like with any two animals, the feeling is not always reciprocated and when that occurs, you must let it go. Understood?"

“It’s like. When a mama bear and a papa bear make cubs. There’s that part before where the papa bear find the mama bears and they nuzzle and wrestle together. That’s bear flirting. People flirting is talking but using different words.” Bran says hoping that Golos understands. Craberos nods. Golos nods.

"Golos can try to make cubs, but only after nuz-ul and res-ul."

"You should not try to make cubs!" Craberos says hastily, before putting their face in their palms, "This was a bad idea."

“I...I like the people we met today. I hope we can meet them again. But I’m tired. I’m going to bed. Unless you have something else you want to talk about?” Bran says as he does his normal nighttime ritual of gathering all his stuff and putting it right next to him as he sleeps.

"No, nothing else, just, well, Golos, don't try flirting without asking me first. I'm going to take a bath." Craberos grabs a towel and heads for the baths.

“Goodnight.” And Bran proceeds to fall fast asleep.

"Nigh, Bran." Golos goes over to the window and stares at the moon for a while before curling up on the floor and going to sleep.

Maikune bumps into Craberos as the Elf leaves the room, Paws tumbling off of Maikune's shoulder and landing on Craberos' shoulder. "Oh, hey Craberos. I was just looking for you, I take it this is our room?"

Craberos scoops up Paws and places her back on Maikune's shoulder, "Yes, Golos and Bran are going to bed, tread lightly."

He nods. "Thanks for the warning." He scratches Paws' head as he enters, careful not to awaken Golos or Bran. After about an hour of studying his spellbook, he gives Paws a quick kiss on her head before waving his hand and sending her to his pocket dimension to sleep, crawling into one of the beds and doing the same.

Bran’s Dream: 

Bran’s dream starts off no different than most of his dreams. He is lying down in a grassy clearing looking up at the trees. All is peaceful and then Aladdin suddenly appears on his chest.

“Come young Druid.” A voice says, coming from Aladdin, but is not Aladdin voice. No, this voice is emotionless and neither feminine nor masculine. It just simply is. “You have much to learn today.” It continues before scurrying off his chest and into the woods. Bran knows from past experiences that he cannot deny the voices request and gets up to follow Aladdin before it’s too late. 

Eventually Aladdin leads him to another clearing and he cannot believe what he sees. There is Golos lying unconscious, a tree toppled over on to him crushing his chest. 

“Save him.” The voice simply says. 

“I...I...I can’t lift that.” Brans states wide eye at the scene. 

“Then he shall die.” The voice replies. 

Bran just stairs...shocked at what the voice said. Then his attention is brought back to the tree by a familiar voice. 

“Why Bran no save Golos?” Says Golos from underneath the tree. “Bran want Golos dead.” 

“No!” Bran screams as he rushes to the tree and tries to pick it up. “It’s...its...its too heavy.” Bran says not being able to lift the tree. 

“Call upon the spirits. Call upon the Bear to save the cub.” The voice says. 

Bran, crying his eyes out, attempts once again to lift the tree. This time as he lifts he feels a power surrounding him. It’s as if his protective nature is manifesting into something and then he sees it. The green energy swirls and shapes into a bear surrounding him and giving him the strength to lift and remove the tree. Bran let’s out a might roar as he throws the tree several feet away from Golos and he scoops him up into his arms crying into Golos’s body.

“Good. But don’t hesitate next time.” The voice says. “Now come. You have three more places to visit tonight.” Everything fades to white. 

Now Bran is standing in front of Craberos. They have a disappointed look on their face. “I thought you could be one of us. I thought you could be a shaman. I was clearly mistaken. This is goodbye Bran. Forever.” Craberos says befor they disappear into the white. 

Bran is just standing there shell shocked at what he just heard. 

“Find them.” The voice says. 

Bran instantly starts running searching for Craberos. Everywhere he goes though it’s just white. There’s nothing just white. 

“I...I...I can’t find them. I...I...I can’t go back out on the streets. I...I...I won’t survive.” Bran says tears once again streaming down his face. 

“You’re not looking hard enough. You’re relying on your eyes when another from above can aid you. Call upon the spirit of the hawk and you will find what you search for.” The voice says 

Bran takes a deep breath and tries to calm down and reach out to the spirit. He feels a similar power surrounding him. But, this time it’s not his protectiveness that manifests into a spirit. But rather his watchfulness and his determination to not lose sight of what he already has. The green energy swirls around him again and this time a hawk made of the energy appears on his shoulders. Now Bran can see everything more clearly.

“You were right behind me the whole.” Bran says with a smirk and turns to see Craberos standing there with a look of pride on his face before they disappear back into the white. 

“Good. Young Druid. On to the next trial.” The voice says before the scene shifts again. 

Now they are back into the forest at the grassy clearing. Looking out Bran can see two bodies lying nearly lifeless on the ground. One is Maikune and another is Dorobō. Bran attempts to move to get to them but finds that his legs don’t work. 

“This trial is simple. Choose one to save and one to die.” The voice says. 

“What!?!” Bran screams out. “Why can’t I choose both?” 

The voice doesn’t respond but Bran’s attention is brought back to the two bodies by their voice. 

“Save me Bran you’ve know me longer.” Says Maikune’s body. 

“Save me Bran. You wouldn’t let a stranger die, would you?” Says Dorobō. 

“Choose soon or they both die.” Says the voice. 

“No I can’t choose. I...I...I want to save them both.” Bran says 

“You cannot and their is no animal that can help you.” The voice says.

*I can’t. I can’t choose.* Bran thinks. * Something. Anything has to help me.* “I’ll...I’ll...I’ll save both!” He screams out and then the same green energy surrounds him. This time it is his kindness that comes forth and shapes something below him; a unicorn. The spirit unicorn runs for Bran and gets him to both Maikune and Dorborō. Allowing Bran to heal both at the same time. 

“I am most certainly impressed.” Says the voice. “However, the hardest challenge is last.” And then the scene changes. 

This time Bran is inside the Lodge. Their is nobody else their except for three familiar faces, the Aremene siblings. 

Laila is the first of the three to speak. “Why if it isn’t little Green-Bean? What are you doing here? Back to grovel and snivel some more. Why don’t you grow up you meek little boy.” 

Bran cannot believe what she is saying a looks over to Lillianna sure she’ll say something nice. “What? Do you think I like you or something? That’s pathetic. I never liked you. I was just using you as something to play with. You seemed like a fun little game to keep me distracted while I was bored. Boy was I wrong. You were so pathetic you couldn’t even keep my interest. Is there any thing you can do right.” 

Tears begin to stream down as he looks at the last sibling, Loark. “Oh, this is great the baby’s crying now. What you think I’ll save you just because you have some little crush on me. Pathetic. Why would I be interested in a weak little meek thing like you? You have got to be kidding yourself.” 

“Defend yourself.” The voice says. 

“I’m....I’m....I’m...I’m...I’m...I’m not weak.” Bran manages to get out but it’s barely a whisper. 

“What’s that?” Laila says. “I think he says he’s not weak.” Comments Lillianna. “Oh, that’s a rich one. You’re so weak I could get rid of you as easily as I got rid of that cat.” Says Lorak. 

Bran just keeps trying to tell them that he’s not weak but he can’t get it out again as the Aremene siblings continue to pelt him with insults. 

“It’s not enough to tell them. You must show them. You must show them the beast that rests inside you.” The voice says. 

Bran is suddenly feeling very hot. As if something from the inside is trying to bust out. Like he’s not comfortable in his own skin. And then he gets angry. Angry at being called weak and meek. Angry at himself for not being strong. And angry at this dream for putting him through this. Then, all of a sudden all this anger bursts out into a roar as Bran howls out “I’m Not Weak!” And transforms into this beautiful gray wolf with just a tuff of green fur at the top of his head. 

Silence follows the sudden outburst. Then all the Aremene siblings look at Bran and say “You’re not weak.” The scene changes. 

Bran is now standing, back in human form, in the original meadow he started in. Aladdin the mouse is staring up and him and the voice speaks again. 

“You did well young one. You have learned a lot tonight and your powers are growing. Soon you will be able to do all you can do here out there. Until we meet again.” 

End of Dream: 

Bran wakes up with a startle and looks around the room. He notices the towel gone and knows that Craberos is still in the bath. He also sees Maikune sleeping on the bed and Golos on the floor. Bran gets out of bed and picks up Golos carrying him to the bed. He set Golos down and then climbs back in putting a protective hand across Golos and drifts off to a dreamless sleep.