"Hmmm. The enchantment on the letters is so faint," Shenua says as her eyes return to their usual coloration and the arcane tendrils slowly dissipate. "It appears to be some kind of divination magic, but it’s slightly different on each letter. It seems the sender encoded something unique for each of us, though the spell hasn’t revealed what it is." She carefully hands each letter back to its owner. "Perhaps a spell to understand languages—like Vorenus suggested—or an identification spell might shed more light on this?"

Her gaze shifts to Vorenus’s spellbook when she says this. Shenua’s eyes widen as she takes in the battered and disorganized state of the book. "Vorenus, how do you even manage your spells with a spellbook like this?"

"Oh! I could cast an identification spell," Iromae starts. "Except I would need a pearl," she adds, sounding a bit embarrassed.  "I've unfortunately never had the gold for something like that. Maybe I could see if the local temple has something available for me to use."  She takes another sip from her glass as the tiefling then continues, criticizing Vorenus for his spellbook. "Is that really necessary Shenua? I'm sure however he does it, his methods work for him." 

She gives a glance over to the wizard, hoping he wasn't upset at her defense of him.  The gods know he certainly isn't shy about speaking up for himself! 

“Ah divination you say… hmmm.  What could that be, what could that be, on a letter....”  Vorenus keeps fumbling through his spell book.  He looks up at Shenua’s comment, saying “Yes, I suppose I’m disorganized at times.  I usually leave my socks lying around too.  Doesn’t’ mean anything other than that.. you were always so organized and proper.  You probably have your collection of ear wax and belly button lint sorted and catagorized, whilst I just throw mine to the wind.  Hah!”  Vorenus grins at Shenua and a twinkle is in his eye, the two back together start to rib each other again, but it is clear that he heeds her and respects her abilities.  Flustered, he keeps thumbing through his spell book and scribbled notes.  

He looks up at Ironmae when she defends him, smiling at her.  "Thank you Ironmae.  My methods certainly do work for me.  And I think your idea of an identify is a wonderful one, I would be very curious to see the effects on these letters.  Always so full of good ideas, you are.  I've sure missed you.  All of you!"  Vorenus gives a big smile again, a slight tearing of his eyes as he grins, he grasps for Ironmae's hand for a second then lets it go, looking up and around for Diego.  "Where did Diego go?  Another song, perhaps?  Oh, he's over at the bar..."

Shenua takes a sip of her wine, but Vorenus’s comment catches her off guard, and this time, it’s she who almost spits the drink out. She coughs, struggling to regain her breath as the wine goes down the wrong tube, and finally bursts into hearty laughter. “My collection of ear wax and belly button lint!? Ha! Now that was a good one, Vorenus. I’ll think about organizing that—but honestly, it would take so much time, even I don’t have the patience for it!" 

Wiping a tear from her eye as her laughter subsides, the tiefling composes herself. “I don’t have a pearl with me, either. There’s always one in the lab, so I’ve never had to buy one. Let’s hope we’re lucky enough to find one,” she says with a nod toward Ironmae.

When Vorenus mentions Diego, Shenua follows his gaze and spots the bard returning with a parcel in hand. Her curiosity is piqued. What might that be?

well friends it looks like we have a fan, Obar didn't have a lot of information other than an out of place character had come in looking for "the seekers" and left this package for us. he slides the parcel toward the center of the table then looks to his friends. I've got a language spell that I've used many a time in my researching that allows me to read an unknown tongue, I'm not sure it would help with the letters but I'm willing to give it a go, or...his words trail off and he looks back at the package, we could see what's in the box? Obar did give me a word of caution for when we open it, advised us that it may be dangerous. With that in mind, Iromae I believe your temple, just a couple of blocks from here, has a wonderfully secluded garden that we may retire to if we are worried about such? 

His face set with caution and weariness, a face his friends of old don't recall him wearing in his youth, quickly the smile returns, his eyes again twinkle in the lamp light and the lines on his face suddenly erased, he looks to each of them, his gaze lingering on each in passing...

When Diego mentions a language spell she blurts out. "Hey, I think that sort of spell would be divination. You think maybe that's what Shenua was detecting?"  She looks deep in thought for a moment. "More likely it's something else. Maybe trying to anticipate our thoughts or interests somehow?" 

She gives up on the speculation through as the others focus in on the package that he's carrying. "I do think we really should see what that is. Umm, I guess we could make for the place... though it's really a temple of Oghma. But priests of Deneir use the place. I'm sure they'd let us briefly meet in the garden."  She sounds less than convincing. "I do think we really ought to see what it is though. Surely this is what the message intended for us to wait for." This time she sounds a bit more sure. 

“Okay, I’m ready.  A secluded garden and a package from a stranger, mysterious letters… ooooh, I’m all in.  Hidden danger….”  Vorenus is gathering his things, he drinks the last of his wine in his cup and straightens his hat.  “You know I can’t turn away from that.  Give me a good mystery, a puzzle to unlock … I can never put it down.  Shall we?”  Vorenus smiles and stands, bowing deeply and pointing to the door.

"All right, let's see what this is all about," Shenua says, agreeing to the proposed plan. She stands up, sets her black and blue shoulder bag on the table and offers, "That parcel looks heavier than it looks. We could carry it here, if you want." The artificer then opens it, revealing that the seemingly ordinary shoulder bag is bigger on the inside.

Diego listens to Iromae, smiling as she talks, anticipating our thoughts? Wouldn't that mean that the letters have some sort of sentience? Interesting thought, I once ran across a wizard with what he called an awakened spell book, so it's possible.

He stands gathering his things as Shenua talks. Eyeing the bag, how wonderfully convenient! looking into her eyes, you continue to surprise and amaze. I recall something from professor Rocnest's class about how unstable it was to store a pocket universe within another pocket universe and not knowing what's in the package we may be safer just carrying it. He juggles the package from arm to arm, it's just a little wibbly wobbly but we should still make good timey wilmey.

looking around the table then to his friends, he eyes the near full bottle and looks up to Vorenus, could you grab the wine old friend?, emphasizing the word old with a sky grin.

Obar hobbles over, leaning heavily on the bar as he watches the group begin to gather their things. He lets out a loud, exaggerated cough, the kind that seems engineered for attention rather than born of necessity.

"Well now, I knows you fine folks are eager to go chasin' mysteries and the like," he begins, his voice gruff but carrying an undercurrent of good-natured teasing, "but it seems one o' them mysteries might be how the barkeep gets paid 'round here!"

He plants his hands on his hips, a twinkle of amusement in his eye as he looks at Diego in particular. "Unless yer plannin' on payin' me in bardic charm again, Diego, which—let's face it—don’t exactly keep the lights on!"

OOC: The cost for two bottles of wine is one gold (five silver each). Whether you leave a tip is up to you.

As the group exits the Old Dwarf, the lively Promenade buzzes with life. Suzail's streets are awash with the warm hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows from merchant stalls brimming with goods. The occasional clang of metal from a blacksmith’s forge and the lilting strains of a lute from a street performer accompany their steps.

In the distance, the temple of Oghma rises above the bustling cityscape. The spire gleams faintly, a beacon of enlightenment and order amidst the chaos of the streets. Its broad courtyard is bordered by lush greenery and dotted with carved stone benches. A central fountain ripples serenely, its water catching the golden light. The inscriptions on the temple’s façade speak of knowledge and inspiration, phrases written in multiple languages, inviting scholars and seekers alike to marvel.

As the party nears the gates, a middle-aged priest steps forward, his pale gold-trimmed robes brushing the ground. His short beard is neatly trimmed, and a chain bearing the symbol of Oghma — a blank scroll — rests prominently against his chest. His piercing green eyes sweep over the group with a practiced air of assessment.

“Welcome to the House of Knowledge,” he begins, his tone calm yet authoritative. “This courtyard is a place of study and reflection. If you seek to enter or linger, I must know your purpose.”

Behind him, a younger acolyte carrying a stack of books pauses briefly to observe, her curiosity evident. A scribe at a nearby desk glances up, quill poised, as though ready to document whatever interaction might follow. The courtyard is relatively quiet, save for the occasional rustle of parchment or the soft splash of the fountain.

The priest’s gaze lingers for a moment longer, then softens slightly. “I can see you are not here idly,” he adds, with a measured nod toward Iromae’s amulet and the scholarly air of the group. “Speak plainly, and perhaps we can accommodate your needs.”

Diego clears his throat and gives the priest a courtesy bow of welcome, ah and good tidings towards you, knowledge keeper. I am Diego Goldbow and may I introduce her ladyship, Illuminator Iromae Quinaea, Keeper of the quill. Just returning from Arabel and beyond. and he bows in acknowledgment of Iromae, while speaking Diego would like to use Bardic Inspiration to grant Iromae an inspiration die, granting her a d6 for the next ten minutes to add to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw.

Iromae finished off her wine as the group prepares to leave.  She gathers up her things, pausing when Obar comes over. "Oh, of course!" she says. She reaches beneath her robe, fumbling a moment, then takes out 6 silver coins to place on the table.  She stays to make sure the others pay, or if they don't she will make up the difference owed.

Once they have left, she follows the others the short ways along the street to the temple.  As the priest of Oghma looks to her, she's a bit surprised that Diego answers first.  'But of course he spoke up first! And of course he gave her a grandiose introduction.'

She gives the priest of Oghma a slight bow.  "I am indeed Iromae Quinaea, priest of Deneir. Our group has been sent a mysterious parcel, and I would ask to impose on you for the brief use of the secluded gardens here so that we might investigate this item. I'm afraid I cannot speak further on this specific endeavor, but it is connected to our past scholarly research."

She pauses just a moment. "Umm, and if I might further impose, I wonder if I might ask for temporary use of a precious pearl in order to use a spell to help identify any magic that might be present."

The priest of Oghma, standing in his pale gold-trimmed robes, watches Diego’s and Iromae’s introductions with quiet amusement. His hands are folded neatly in front of him, and his head tilts slightly as if gauging the truth behind their words.

“Ah, Illuminator Quinaea,” he says after Iromae finishes speaking. “It is not every day we receive one of Deneir’s devoted within these halls, let alone accompanied by such esteemed ... courtiers.” His gaze briefly shifts to Diego, his tone making it unclear whether the compliment is entirely genuine or faintly teasing.

“As scholars ourselves, we are not ones to deny the pursuit of knowledge. You may use the secluded garden, though I would ask you tread lightly, as some of my brethren are engaged in their own meditations there. Jossryn,” he calls, summoning a young half-elven acolyte who quickly hurries over, “will guide you.”

When Iromae mentions the pearl, the priest’s expression becomes thoughtful.

“A pearl for an identifying spell, is it? Such an item is not easily parted with, but it is not unheard of for us to lend such resources for worthy endeavors. However, we ask something in exchange — a token of gratitude or, perhaps, a service rendered to the temple. Our scribes have been working tirelessly to transcribe and protect a number of delicate texts that could use a knowledgeable hand. Or,” he adds, his gaze sharpening as if appraising them, “there may be other ways you could assist us.”

He steps aside, allowing Jossryn to approach and gestures toward the hallway leading deeper into the temple. “Come — bring your questions and your purpose. Knowledge shared is never a burden here, though we will respect your discretion.”

Vorenus does not need to be asked twice as he picks up the bottle of wine on their way out, he follows suit with Ironmae, leaving 6 sp on the table.  As they head to the temple of Oghma, Vorenus seems to straighten out his cloak, setting his hat on his head just right, keeping his wand handy.  When the priest of Oghma approaches, Vorenus starts clearing his throat multiple times, his voice comes out sounding low and "official".  

"*Ahem*, why yes, quite so, and my name is Vorenus, perhaps you have heard of me?  Heard of us?  We wish to convene here for study, for a gathering of minds and knowledge.  As dear Ironmae says, we would be most appreciative if we could borrow a pearl for use in a spell.  We are prior students of the Academy, we appreciate your accommodation of our needs!"  Bows low, comes up grinning with an unctuous smile..

Like the others, Shenua leaves her six silver pieces before departing the Old Dwarf, nodding and offering Obar a slight smile as she does. The wine had been good, and Obar had been as kind as ever to them, making the tip well-deserved. Still, it feels strange for the tiefling to be here alongside her former classmates. Her work often brought her to Suzail, but she had not revisited their old meeting spot since finishing her studies. Had she perhaps avoided the place unconsciously, as if it didn’t make much sense to come here without them?

At the Temple of Oghma, Shenua greets the priest with a polite nod, leaving the conversation in the capable hands of Diego and Iromae. Her gaze occasionally drifts toward the other priests nearby, their presence making her feel slightly uneasy. She isn’t entirely comfortable knowing they won’t be alone in the garden but follows anyway, trusting the discretion of the priests of Knowledge.

At the mention of the pearl, Shenua gives Iromae and the priest an appreciative nod, her thoughts wandering to her latest infusion project. "Hmmm, I hope I can get a nice little gemstone sometime, too", she ponders, picturing the blueprints for the bird-like construct she had designed not long ago.

The priest of Oghma raises an eyebrow at Vorenus's enthusiastic interjection, his expression caught between amusement and mild skepticism. “Vorenus, you say? Former students of the Academy?” His tone is measured, polite, but it’s clear he’s attempting to reconcile the grandiosity of Vorenus’s demeanor with the gravity of their request.

“Indeed, our temple appreciates all those who seek enlightenment,” he replies diplomatically. “Though I must admit, your reputation has yet to precede you here. Perhaps, in time, your names will ring as loudly in these halls as they do at the Academy.” His lips twitch faintly, as if suppressing a smile, before his gaze turns back to Jossryn.

“Jossryn, guide them to the garden and ensure they are settled. Once they have completed their investigation, return to me regarding the pearl. We will need to determine what reciprocity may be most fitting for such a request.”

The young half-elf acolyte nods earnestly and motions for the group to follow her through the temple’s ornate halls. She moves with a quiet efficiency, occasionally glancing back to ensure the group is keeping up. As they pass through the main chamber, the distant sound of chanting fills the air, a soft and harmonious recitation of prayers to Oghma.

As the group steps into the garden, the world seems to quiet around them. Neatly manicured paths wind between flowering plants, stone benches, and small fountains that gurgle softly. A few robed figures sit or stand in quiet contemplation, offering brief glances of curiosity before returning to their meditations.

Jossryn stops at a secluded corner where a broad stone table stands under the shade of a flowering tree. “This space should serve your needs,” she says, folding her hands in front of her. “I will return to the temple to report to the priest and discuss your request for the pearl. If you require anything else while I am away, please ask one of the other attendants.” With a polite nod, she turns and departs back through the garden’s archway.

While Jossryn speaks Diego gently sets the package down. After he leaves and get out of earshot, he will wrap his arms around Iromae, you were brilliant! 

When the priest agrees to their use of the garden, Iromae had smiled. "Thank you.  And of course I would be more than willing to offer you my assistance in return due whatever help you might be able to give us."

The group follows Jossryn, and she watches as Diego sets down the package.  Before Jossryn leaves she turns to her. "My thanks to you as well."

And once she is gone, she looks to her friends. "Should we take any precautions? I could try to detect any magic - or someone else could." The half- elf looks eager to know what the package might be though. 

Vorenus turns to Ironmae, Diego, and Shenua, with mock offense, clutching his imaginary wizard pearls.  It’s a shame they are imaginary or they could be used for an identify spell…. “Never heard of Vorenus the Great!  I forgot how backwoods this place was.  Maybe… maybe there have been issues with transportation.  With communication.  Maybe they just don’t get out much.”  Vorenus quits rambling on and turns to look at them, putting his hands on his hips, then he starts to laugh, a deep resounding laugh.  “Hah!  Pulled your leg, didn’t I?  But they will!  They will know of the Great Vorenus someday.. I imagine.  But for now, I’m just another spell slinger in a hat.  Hah!”  He smiles to himself then looks to get down to business.  He rubs his hands together and then starts to look at the box, tiny bits of electricity tingling at his fingertips.  

“Diego?  Do you wish to open it?  Or shall I?"  Vorenus casts mage hand, and the ethereal hand starts toward the lid, as Vorenus takes a step backwards, looking to the others for approval.  

Vorenus my friend you are famous, I mean we know who you are. He chuckles a bit, and hold off. Iromae may have just cause to be cautious. Diego pulls his lute into position and plays a few notes, show me a glow and let me know. casting detect magic