While the little fairy rests on Shavaris's shoulder she overhears the Thri-keen talking to Delph about rumors of the unicorn.  "Excuse me, I know you're very hurt, but if you don't mind..could you tell me a bit more on the rumors you were talking about with the unicorn?"

As Delph gets more and more agitated and looks to Shavaris, she smiles at them, "Of course they are all fine!  If they are half as smart as you, you have nothing to worry about."  she chuckles about the apologies comment, then looks around at where they are again and quickly sobers up.

"Hello again.   Thank you for vouching for us with the guards.  I'm delphinium by the way.  My friend here and I would like to know what rumors you heard.  You mentioned the Faron woods and then some kind of rumor?  It might help us."  They look hopeful at the Thri-kreen but still seem quite sick from all the poison earlier.  Delph smiles at Shavaris as they confirm that their friends and family are safe.  

Aoe falls into line with the group, though some of the sharing worries him… delph thinks they can just find the mare then go home… those who were at the meeting might suspect finding the mare is merely a step toward tue larger goal of bringing an end to the current age of danger…. A danger that might throw the entire world into war and death… 

but glad to be at least of singular mind, he agrees, “to the west; toward the goblin city… we will find answers there….” …I certainly will find answers there… Aoe thinks to himself in the same line of thought…

”shavaris or… ward perhaps? Let us find a good place to camp, and hopefully tomorrow brings less deadly luck, and more loose strands weaving themselves back together with our deeds and works” Aoe tries to befriend the druidic machination by seeing if he is good at locating a decent camp site…

…quite curious as to how he came to be… who he is… and then also, perhaps a subject for another time…

Johnathan thanks the guards for listening to his “concerns” before turning to the others. He sees Delphinium and Shavaris talking to the circus people, but doesn’t want to interrupt there talk. Johnathan felt sorry for Delphinium. The news of her home destroyed is terrible. Our enemies are heartless and will do anything to destroy any hope we have left. When Delphinium is available he you’ll just say, Delphinium, I’m sure they’re fine. We will do anything to make sure that our enemies take nothing else from us. Let me know if you want any help. It’s at this point that Johnathan looks over towards Aoe. I agree, we should make camp somewhere. I have a feeling we could all use some rest. Then we can make our way to goblin city. With that Johnathan will follow the group to a resting sight, whether in a tavern or a camp.

The Thri-Kreen look at Shavaris as she voices her question, then to Delphinium.  

"We have not seen Schmendrick since he first came to the aid of the Unicorn many, many years ago, when she was captured by Mommy Fortuna."  One of the Thri-Kreen answers.  "Back then he was simply Schmendrick the Magician.  He wasn't Schmendrick the Blue yet, though the old name has stuck to him.  Shortly before Angar escaped for the first time and killed Mommy Fortuna, Schmendrick and the Stallion appeared to free the Mare.  Anyway, Schmendrick was supposedly looking for the answer to what happened to all the Unicorns, as Hyboria used to be rife with them.  Mommy Baba had tried to kindle of relationship with him and repair what Mommy Fortuna had done before.  I think she just wanted to see if she could get him to bring the Unicorn back as a sort of...attraction.  Not to stay.  Regardless, she was able to pry a little information from him.  Schmendrick had discovered tales of a Red Bull, something horrifically powerful but controlled by one of the Kings of Hyboria.  I don't know which.  But Mommy Baba thought it was plausible that this King had used the Red Bull as the apex predator of the Unicorns.  According to what Schmendrick told her, this Red Bull rounded them all up and destroyed them for this King."

The Thri-Kreen paused and turned its insectile eyes towards its friends.  They looked at each other for a moment, their arthropod faces conveying little emotion, though it seemed like they were in silent forum.  

"Schmendrick is known for unorthodoxy."  The Thri-Kreen continued.  "Mommy Baba thought he was seeking out the King who controlled the Red Bull to foster some sort of deal to keep the Mare alive.  I don't know what kind of deal that could be.  But Schmendrick is odd, and thinks odd things.  If you could discover who this King is, you could potentially follow his tracks."  

The Wagoneers began to gather around.  One, an old man who was ringing a soft hat in his hands, stepped next to the Thri-Kreen.  

"We uh..."  He said.  He looked at the other Wagoneers, one of which nodded their head to him.  "We don't know what to do...now.  You people saved us.  Maybe...maybe we could work a deal." 

It seems they finally found some information about the mare.  Delphinium listens as best they can.  Now more then ever they need to return home quickly.  As the Thri-kreen finish telling Shavaris and Delphinium what they know the fairy thanks them and says "Thank you.  I am needed home but have to find the mare first.  I appreciate this as it will help."  The fairy then nods in thanks towards them and looks to Shavaris "We should tell the others." It is then that Johnathan comes up to the duo instead.  The fairy positively beams at Johnathan as they try to assuage their fears.  They nod and reply to them "Thank you Johnathan.  I do want your help.  I came to find heroes to help my home after all.  It sounds like some are already there.  I said I would help you all first though and I'm a good fey that is true to their word.  The faster we rescue the mare... the sooner we can return to my home to help." 

The fairy nods towards Johnathan in thanks as well as talk from Aoe is started about the party heading west.  Delphinium notices then that one of the men from the wagons comes up to the group.  They speak of not knowing what to do, saving their lives and making a deal.  Delphinium smiles.  This mistake gets made all the time "Oh!  No, no, no.  I'm not that kind of fey good sir.  I do not bind for saving your life... especially when I did so little to earn it.  You also need to offer it before help is made!  You don't need to make a deal for your life at all.  We were happy to help!"  the fairy does look at them sadly though and says with sadness "I'm sorry you don't know what to do.  That can be hard.  It often helps to ask for advice on what to do next."

"You misunderstand, little master."  The Wagoneer said.  He shakes his hat out and pulls it down on his head, the soft fabric stretching around his balding dome.  "We can't stay here, and without our employer, we have no way to make a living.  We've been listening to you all, a little, though I am sorry for eavesdropping.  It seems that you have a journey ahead of you, and we can offer assistance.  Our oxen are well trained and our carts are well equipped.  They would offer storage and amenities.  We have cages, too, and could haul animals that aren't being ridden or what have you.  And the carts and oxen we do not need we can sell.  It may be for a paltry sum but...it's better than nothing. And our Thri-Kreen...they are adept warriors.  They made their livings in the deserts of Thra as freedom fighters against the Skeksis before going to work for Mommy Fortuna many years ago."

One of the Thri-Kreen raises its two left hands and waves like it's never seen the party before; this is probably a gesture of its agreement.  

Shavaris slowly takes in what the carnival folks are saying.  Is she really hearing this right?  They want to come with them?  Well, they did ruin their situation, if it wasn't for them, they wouldn't be out of a job.  She looks around at her friends, looking at their faces, she knows the answer.  She thought the band she was in was a sight enough, the five of them, oh wait six with the warforged.  And the interesting mounts that already accompanied them.  She knew they were a sight to see, and she was always used to the shadows, traveling on her own, unseen for the most part.  All of this was already difficult for her, and now they were more than doubling, with such an interesting crowd?  Being discrete will not be something they will be able to do.

And what about the satyr, this one has not said a word, as they saunter up to the group, Shavaris asks, "You've been silent since, well since we have arrived to the carnival, what are your thoughts on this situation?"

The Satyr looks around, reaches into his smokers jacket, and pulls out a poke. From it, he produces a pipe and begins to pack it. "You understand that you're asking a goat-man who sits in a cage and looks like a buffoon to a crowd of intoxicated rabble-rousers what he thinks about going on the road with a failed circus, eh?"  Shavaris smiles at this and gives a slight nod. "yep, that about sums it up, so what do you say?"

"What do I care? I was looking for a job when I found this one. I'll either go with you and make my way or...stay here and make my way. I have my pipe..." He strikes a match and puffs the pipe a time or two, getting it going... "And I'll have a drink in a little bit, or maybe a nectarine...and then I won't care about what I'm doing until morning, eh?"

She shakes her head as she can't believe she is going to agree to this, and addresses the rest of the carneys, "Well, do you know how you want to take care of the extra carts and such?  We would like to get going now.  We are heading West to the mushroom forest and would like to make camp. We desperately need rest." The weariness hits her hard and she backs away from the others, letting them continue the conversation.

Kerwyn stretches and says “C’mon, come with us.  There may be a time that we need to part ways, but for now I think we can help each other.  Perhaps we can each learn something along the way.”  Kerwyn nudges Shavaris and says “I bet those Thri-Kreen could teach you a few things with their acrobatics.”  Kerwyn nods at the idea of moving on and heading to camp.  “Let’s get going, if everyone agrees…”

At the pronouncement that the carnival folk will join them Delphinium almost leaps for joy... the only thing stopping them is how miserable they feel from the poison earlier.  "Oh! My Gods!  You are all coming with us!  Can we do the fire hoops thing again?!?!  Not right now... I feel kinda icky.  When I feel better though?  Wait, you are all warriors?  Do you want to spar with me?  Not right now though.  I know its been a few moments but I am still not feeling well.  Oh, do you all have more of that necta..."  Delph suddenly and quickly stands up on Shavaris' shoulder when they try to ask for the nectarine but this appears to be a really bad idea.  They wobble on their feet like they are very dizzy and the poisonous effect of the Angar as well as the very nectarine they were about to ask for seem to overwhelm the tiny fairy's constitution and they throw up all over Shavaris' and collapse back down on her shoulder apparently too out of it to realize they did that to poor Shavaris.  "Urgh... i don't feel so good."

Johnathan remains quiet on the matter. He didn’t like travelling in large numbers, makes its harder to keep his secret. But he sees the band wanting to help them out since they were the ones that ruined this job for them. Johnathan gives in and decides not to fight the issue, for now. He starts to give the circus folk a look over. They may not be the best fighters but the wagons did have some advantages. They could carry larger bounty with them and perhaps even rest in them a bit. Johnathan gives an approving nod to Shavaris as she tells them they can come with us. Johnathan notices the fairy starts to throw up on Shavaris, Oh for goodness sake, Johnathan walks up to Shavaris and start cleaning her with his magic. After this Johnathan turns to the circus folk, You may come with us if you want. We could use the company and the wagon. We should head out into the forest and set up camp, I want to start making our way to the city. If the rest of the band agree Johnathan will help guide the wagons into the forest, about one hour on horseback, and start making a camp.

When Johnathan has a moment to himself in his tent he will inspect the items that he obtained from the wizard, namely the spells that book had and the items hoping that they are magical in nature. Once he discovers this information Johnathan tells the other band in secret to make sure that they are in the loop. Johnathan will also sit around the fire of the camp to join in on the conversations that the Dawn Guard clearly needed. Where are we going? What are we gonna do about the red bull? These questions need to be answered, and fast.

The camp is a little better than normal; the carts are exactly what the wagoneers said they'd be; 2 carts, each with twelve beds; it makes it easy to rotate the drivers so that two are always resting and two are always driving.  Additionally, they're able to procure enough oxen and two banthas, allowing them to draw the two housing carts as well as two cages that allow for keeping the animals fresh.  The Satyr, whose name is Roderick, though he usually goes back Rick, and one of the wagoneers,  an older woman named Gillian, remain behind to sell off what is left of the animals, wagons, cages, and circus equipment before catching up with the group later.  They come back with some 3,000 gold for everything, including the tree which they've been assured will be planted in the town park for everyone to visit.  

The drivers pull up to a flat place in the woods to set a sort of camp so that everyone can get organized and rested.  Awnings are unfurled from the sides of the carts, a fire is started, food is cooked, and the former circus personnel discuss with one another what is next, though seem content with their current operation for now.  They seem sad, now that they're away from Whichaperch and can actually reflect on what happened.  

Ol Ironsides is the happiest the group has ever seen him.  Not content with a belly full of harpy meat, he's set about eating from the trunks of the many, many varieties of mushrooms growing in the area.  

Johnathan explains to the band that the wizard had the following items. 

• A wizard spell book with some illusionary spells
• An iron flask that has the ability to trap other planar beings. The flask can release the being by opening the bottle, whereby the creature will serve them for one hour before being allowed to act freely.
• A spies murmur. A head band that allows communication with someone else you has a spies murmur within a mile.

Johnathan explains that he has read the book and gained what he wanted from it but is happy for anyone to have it. We could sell anything that we don’t want. I think the flask is useful but we should only open it if we are sure, I wouldn’t do so right now as we all need some rest. 

Shavaris lets herself relax as she takes in the ambiance of the mushroom forest.  She wasn't sure what to expect, but she felt more at home here than she had since they left the forest by the Ivory Tower.  She watches the carnival folks mill about, taking stock and figuring out what to do.  Their sad countenances pull at her a bit, but there was nothing that could be done about that.  Unless Delph wanted to go put on a show for them she muses.  "So Ward, is now the right time for you to tell us why you freed the Harpy?  I'm dying to know."

Johnathan going through the list of items he procured brings her out of her reverie and she hopes that there are folks in her band that will get info out of that spell book, she just knows it is not for her.  "Please, keep the flask closed, and stowed away safely." she yawns, "So, kings are what we are looking for?  To try and find this red bull?  Or to find out which king has the red bull as they might have information where the last unicorn might be?  So again, kings.  I can think of five kings in Hyboria, what about you guys?" Shavaris pauses as she tries to recall them, "There's obviously the Goblin King, who we will hopefully meet in the coming days, and a King Randor, though I'm not sure where he is from.  There is King Hyrule and King Haggard over in Hylia; there is also a rumor of a King of the Gerudo I think?  At least that is what I can recall.  Do any of you have Kings to add to the hand?"

“I believed that it was the best option. What has now been confirmed is that harpy has already escaped once. I think it was a matter of time until it happened again, without us, there to keep something worse from happening. I did not anticipate the kobolds change of sides, and I did not wait long enough for you all to be out of harms way. That is on me, and for that, I apologize. “  Ward says hanging his head a bit

Rest is a wonderful thing.  Even a short rest can do wonders for the body and Delphinium took full advantage of the fact the group was riding in carriages by fully sleeping along the way.  They didn't wake until the group stopped in the mushroom forest.  Open their tiny eyes they looks around in wonder and amusement at the giant mushroom caps and immediately thought this was far better then the city.  When the carts stopped Delph fluttered into the air and breathed in deeply the fresh forest smell.  it was definitely a different smell from their own forest home but it still smelled fresh and lively.  They ended up sitting on the cart that the Dawn Guard were all in to look out and around and just listen.  So, it wasn't hard to them to notice Shavaris and ward talking in private away from the carnival folks.  Delphinium began to flutter over to see what they were talking about and the fairy wanted to have  few words with Ward anyway.  They were curious why the druid let free such a dangerous creature.  Delphinium flutters down to Shavaris's shoulder as the druid explains why they did what they did.  

When they finish Delph says "You're a terrible druid.  You can't even recognize a scorpion when you see it."  The fairy doesn't elaborate on the statement but seems to mull over what they said.  They eventually nod and say "Its good that you apologize and take responsibility for it though.  I was going to be mad if you didn't.  I accept your apology on the condition you work on becoming a better druid."

As items are listed by Johnathan Delphinium says "Why would we want to trap something in that flask?  Wouldn't that just make them mad at us?  Oh!  Is there something in there now?  We should let them out if so because I bet they are quite miserable in there."  Delphinium doesn't make any moves for the flask but they are eyeing it quite closely with their fey-like feline eyes.  A definite interest.

As talk of kings begins Delphinium listens and says "I only know of some kings.  I've never met one.  Normally I just hear tales of them from others.  It's really fascinating how you big people determine your leaders.  Why would a king want to kill all the unicorns though?  That's just stupid.  We should totally beat up that Red Bull though!  Maybe they captured some and killed ones that fought back?  What about the one we seek?  Are they the last free unicorn?  Shouldn't we make sure they are okay first?"

”I recognized the scorpion, I simply wanted to make sure that we were there when it stung rather than letting it catch someone less prepared in the back. I stand by what I did, not how I did it. That was more reckless than need be. Speaking of reckless, I don’t believe we should be releasing anything from that flask, at least until we rest. “ Ward says, gesturing to the dent from the Harpy tail

"I don't get it.  You knew it would hurt people but wanted to fight it outside where it could hurt others instead of in the cage?  That kind of seems worse to me but I appreciate you telling me.  I think you need to make better plans in the future then.  So become a better planer then."  As ward mentions the flask again Delphinium doesn't seem able to help themselves as they look at it likes its glowing to them.  They definitely seem very very interested in the flask. "Okay, so I can open it in the morning then?  Sounds like a plan!"  the fairy becomes all smiles and seems to be bouncing slightly in anticipation.

Johnathan sees the fighting start to begin again and was quite frankly too tired to fight anymore. He stops himself before he starts to preach. After all he wasn’t exactly the best person to talk about rash action. He turns to Delphinium, The flask is dangerous, but useful. Whatever is inside will have to serve us for an hour, so we could use this in a desperate fight. We can also use this for the bull if we find it, so there are options. 
That’s when Johnathan notices Shavaris speak of kings. Unfortunately I don’t know much of kings and queens. I haven’t been travelling that long, though Aoe seems to have travelled around. Perhaps you know more Aoe?

As they talk around the fire Johnathan starts thinking about that battle with the monster. He can’t shake the image of Shavaris dipping her fingers in blood and tasting it. It seemed almost like she was in a trance. Is she like me? Or was it some sickness taking over her? I need to talk to her about this. She needs to know. Johnathan will wait until the others are distracted before pulling Shavaris to the side to talk privately. Shavaris, I know you have been through a lot recently. I get it if you are feeling stressed and I want you to know that what I’m about to tell you is because I’m concerned for you as a friend. I don’t want to scare you ok. He pauses, clearly uncomfortable about what he has to say next. Shavaris, after the battle with the monster I saw… something. Something I don’t know if you aware of. I saw you tasting it’s blood.

I don’t know why you did this but I wanted to make sure you are aware of this as you didn’t seem to understand what you were doing. If you want to tell me anything you know I will keep it a secret, I’m just making sure if this was some weird accident or something more.

Ol Ironsides lazily slides along the perimeter of the camp while things get sorted and slowly lunches his heart's content of mushrooms.  All manner of mushrooms.  Big ones.  Small ones.  Red ones.  Purple ones.  At one point he begins to glow when he gets into some of the beautiful bright-blue bioluminescent ones.