Inif is puzzled a bit for his companions reluctance to speak.  And though he is not the most eloquent, he breaks the silence.

"Greetings your majesty.  I am Inif' Itum.  I claim no other title than 'disciple' for I am a monk.  We are seeking a place of respite, as we had a bit of a scrap with Agdon and his bandits...  It seems the old rules are being trampled." 

Inif examines (18) King Bullop closely to gauge his loyalties.

"Ahh Outsiders! Welcome to the Soggy Court!" The king says cheerfully. Inif, carefully watching, believes that the king holds no threat to them, though is likely working more for himself than others; which is little surprise for a king in a kingdom of such constant coups, as you learned from all the heads outside. The king then adds, "The old rules are still in place here my friend! And while in my home, you are my honored guests. Please, have a seat, tell me of your journey."

Karib looks at Autmumnleaf in confusion then frowns at the diminutive creature. He seems to be mulling over what to say -- he's never been a fast thinker -- when Inif speaks. He is clearly relieved, and nods slowly at the monk's words, adding support where he can.

Once more he is surprised by the King's generous welcome, though he reflects that the territory of the 'king' does not seem a large as what he would normally consider a kingdom. He waits for Inif to seat himself then follows suit, gently lowering his pack and shield to the ground.

"Your majesty is a generous host." He says, smiling as he settles. "I have not been long in this land, and came in search of ..." he pauses, looking discomforted by what he is saying, disbelieving of his own words, "... a skill that was stolen from me. I am told the thief resides somewhere in this land. At this point one must suspect Agdon is the culprit, though how he stole such a thing is quite beyond me. And why...it makes so little sense."

"As to my tale...well, I arrived this morning, nearly drowned, was recused by these, my companions...then we were attacked by Agdon as we traveled here. There is little more for me to tell."

Inif smiles at the King's benevolent greeting.

"It is a rather strange tale that began with the Witchlight Carnival.  There we learned the two new proprietors, Mr. Witch and Mr. Light, made some sort of pact with hags here in Hither. Many things were lost at the Carnival or lured away. We have traveled between realms in search of answers and crossed into Hither. We believe the hags are perhaps stealing things away to this realm.  We have learned the former queen has been bewitched and lays sleeping in her castle.  Please, what can you tell us that has transpired in Hither with the queen and hags?"

Inif pauses.  "I am bound to ease the suffering and pain of all creatures.  Tell me, have you suffered at the hands of Bavlorna?"

Autumnleaf listens quietly to her friends tales, waiting to see how the conversation goes before speaking, should she be addressed.

The king croaks at the mention of the name Bavlorna but then sits up in his chair and says, "I know nothing of the carnival. Though we do deal with Bavlorna regularly. In fact, if you would like to meet with her I may be able to help you. I have a delivery that I must get to her. If you would join my court you would be allowed to meet with her to give her this book," he pats a large book sitting on small table to his side, "and ask her your questions directly."

So far, Karib had only heard bad things about the hags, and Bavlorna in particular. He pauses for a moment before speaking slowly. "How is is that you come to have dealings with Bavlorna...I...I had been told that she and her sisters were the source of the current troubles. Perhaps the tales we have been told were misleading?"

The king laughs in a deep croaking manner and replies, "It is hard not to have dealings with her when she lives just in the fog outside." as he gestures outside towards an area where you saw some flights of stairs go up and into the fog. He then adds, "It's rude to slander your neighbors of course. And though the land has changed since she has arrived, we still try to follow the courtesies. Would you be willing to join my court so you may see first hand of whom you speak?"

Karib's eyebrows go up and he pauses for a moment before nodding, "Allies, and a place to call home, are always welcome." He says. He wearily glances at his companions then back to the king, unsure of what he is getting himself into, but he meant what he said: They need allies. "I, for one, would gladly accept your hospitality and your offer."

He claps his hands with a wet slap and smiles, raising a hand to order wine for everyone as he then looks to the others members of the party for confirmation.

Autumnleaf nods, her eyes flashing iridescence as she grins.

As Speedwell and Inif both also nod their agreement the king says, "Excellent! Well first, you said you needed to rest. I will have chambers prepared. There we will also send up clothes of the Court. We can meet again in the morning before you head to meet Bavlorna. Until then, rest, and please feel free to look around our little swamp. If there is nothing else?" He then looks ready to dismiss you, though is waiting to see if you have anything else you'd like to ask.

While he is speaking glasses of wine are brought out for everyone. As the king raises up his glass, Autumnleaf looks into hers, noticing that the weight is not what she'd expect, and see's a small piece of paper rolled up in the glass instead.

What would you like to do?

Autumnleaf drinks her wine, catching the paper in her mouth. She sucks the wine from it, then heads to her room without a word to anyone, spitting the paper into her hand and unrolling it.

Karib will gladly retire to a place where he can rest and pray. The day has not been anything approaching what he expected, and a little time to reflect and clear his mind and mend his body would be very welcome. If, after a little rest, he happens to hear the sound of a smithy operating, he will seek it out and offer his assistance.

Inif mentions nonchalantly to the King "Seems that we came across one of your balloons near the slanting tower.  Do you use these to travel about?  I imagine the view is splendid."

The monk nods politely and pivots to the coven. "Where do Bavlorna's sisters reside?  We will attend court and meet this Bavlorna ourselves." 

Inif heads off to rest and mediate on how best to navigate around a direct confrontation with the hag.

"Did you? Bavlorna usually uses them. We've actually had one gone missing though." The king asks, and waves a hand towards an attendant. Adding, "Where her sisters are I do not know. They are not here in Hither. Rest well. We shall see you in the morning."

As you head are shown to your rooms you find that the ones given for guests are less damp than the ones on the lower levels, and the clothing left out for you is of a similar style to those worn at the court. Loose fitting and fancy appearing, though not very well made, nor very clean.

Autumnleaf unrolls the note to find it says, “Find Illig, the Baron of Muckstump, at once. The revolution lives!”

What would you like to do?

Inif reads the note given to Autumnleaf, "Perhaps we should head out for a little 'walk' before bed and locate Muckstump.  Any ideas?  Perhaps Clapperclaw can direct us." 

 (( Unless interrupted, Karib's next 10 hours or so are as above, so not posting while Auttumnleaf does whatever they do ))

Autumnleaf quirks her lips at the note, considering. Rubbing it on the clothing they left out to help dry it, she folds it and puts it away, fluttering around her room for a while lost in thought. After some time she pokes her head out of her room, looking around to see if there was anyone in the hall.

While the others begin to sleep, Autumnleaf looks outside her door and sees one of the guards slowly wander past on his patrol.