Following along as Thaddeus gives a lengthy inspiring speech, she realizes that they will succeed, feels better about the mission and silly for questioning as Erek is only trying to help in the way that he can.  Caix looks to the group then to Erek,  "Forgive me please for starting this line of inquiry.  I have not been fortunate in accepting free things in the past.  So find myself suspicious.  I see you represent a generous temple and think we should seek them out in case they are able to help us." 

To the others, "a brief stop at a trader just down the road would be useful as well.  I need some additional items. Then I will be ready for our search of Floon."

(Thank you Thaddeus for the inspiration)

"We won't be getting scrolls of fireball or belts of fire giant strength. Maybe a ring of protection or two." Erek starts to get on up. Gesturing. "Let's go."

Caix and Creach saw a general store / curiosity shop along the way to the Skewered Dragon last night; a strange place called the Old Xoblob Shop. It sells just about everything, though only in shades of the color purple for some inscrutable reason. Still, it's on the way to Candle Lane, you might as well check it out; if it doesn't suit your purposes there will be other general stores without its peculiarity to visit on the way.

The shop has a deep purple facade, and in its window hangs a stuffed beholder, purple of course. A cloud of lavender-scented purple smoke trails out of the shop’s door as you peer inside. Every wall is painted purple, and every dusty knickknack on the shelves is dyed a deep violet or brilliant magenta. The hairless old deep gnome sitting cross-legged on the counter wears plum-colored robes. His cheeks are decorated with nine purple face-painted eyes.

The deep gnome lowers a pipe and exhales a cloud of lavender smoke before raising a hand. “Hail and well met! Come browse the shelves of the most curious curiosity shop in the world!”

"Hello, good gnome. There were two men a few nights ago. They were both dressed particularly fancy, If I know Floon. They were followed by another pair who I believe meant them harm. Did you happen to see anything?"

The gnome thinks. "Mmm. It's been raining hard lately, hard to see what's outside my own window. But maybe... Anything that might jog my memory, friend? Something of an appropriate hue, preferably."

Despite stating he had no need for shopping, Zimm cannot help but select a couple of items.  He places on the counter 1 purple case, map or scroll and five pieces of purple chalk (1 piece).  He sets out 1gp and 5cp which he believes should be fair value.  His eyes linger on a purple set of robes... but they are not in his size.

"You look like a follower of Our Lady Who Smiles. Perhaps you would just be willing to help out an acolyte of the goddess?" Erek gambles, looking hopeful as he pulls out his amulet of Tymora and shows it to the man. He gives his best, charming smile. Which may or may not be that charming, considering the fangs- harmless fangs, but devil fangs none the less.

The gnome rolls his eyes as he helps Zimm with the transaction. "Afraid the only faith I have is in coin," the gnome replies to Erek; "a shame they don't come in purple around here. I wonder if electroplating would work... But still, I guess I can give you a freebie. Yeah, I saw two gents pass by the shop two nights ago; they were followed by some men garbed in black leather armor. Zhents, most likely, because who else has such poor fashion taste," the gnome muses, as he puffs again on his pipe.

"Did you see where they took them? I swear, if you help us, I'll come to you with every purple item I find." The devil's blood crosses his heart.

The gnome smiles. "You're a good kid. Here, take this," he says, handing Erek a dagger with a bright purple blade. "Free on condition you put it in some Zhent," he says with a laugh.

He puffs his pipe again. "Yes, I saw them take the gents, they went down the alley across the street. Candle Lane, I think it's called. The Zhents have a hangout in a warehouse down there, probably where they took 'em. No telling if they're still there though."

"Thank you." Says Erek, smiling as he studies the item for any sort of magic residue.

Arcana check: 14.

He clears his throat a little before addressing the others. "My friends, it appears they were taken to that warehouse very nearby. We can go straight there, or we can stop by the Temple."

”Anymoreminuteswasted areminutesourfrienddoesnthave letsgooooooooo zzzzzzzzzzzzzooooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!”

Creach says, before he flies in the exact opposite direction of Candle Lane, a beat, 

“WRONG WAY ZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM COME ON!”

Erek just kind of lets Creach rush off alone. His attention settling upon the others. Waiting, patiently for their reply.

Zimm pockets/packs his new purchases (inventory adjusted).  He will mutter under his breath

Zimm will state, with some urgency, "Hey, could someone lasso Creach!?  From what I hear these 'Zhents' are a criminal organization.  Charging into their warehouse will certainly lead to violence and we don't know anything about their strength or numbers."

More quietly, he adds, "If anyone wishes to come up with a plan more subtle then 'Zoom lets goooooo,' I can create a soundless illusion.  Or I can also potentially beguile a lone target like a doorman, though that spell is... less reliable."

"My plan would be to give my sneaky looking friend here," Erek gestures to Caix. "the blessing of Tymora. She can sneak in, scout ahead. If they're still there, then I can use my hellborn powers to make myself appear as a Zhent."

Thaddeus asks “I’m interested in a healer’s kit and a bundle of crossbow bolts. How much would that cost and Why is everything in this particular shop purple?”

(The dagger is not magic.)

The gnome answers Thaddeus, "Ever since the incident I've had a fascination with the color," not explaining further. "Anyway, that'll be seven dragons for the purple-cased first aid kit and the purple bolts in a purple bolt case; if you already have a case of your own I suppose six dragons will do."

“The incident?” He asks curiously, “That sounds like a story, what was this incident?”

"Err. To elaborate on that plan. She scouts after I bless her. If there's Zhents, I disguise myself as a Zhent. Then I proceed to bless each of you, you all take ambush positions. I try to do a "prisoner transfer." If that fails, you all spring in!" His head nods.