Beren finds himself feeling less and less comfortable in this conversation, and decides it's best not to contribute. They should get the kids to the church...hopefully that will provide some stability for them, but he has his doubts. If they've received money for taking the bones, then they may still have some left to fend for themselves for the time being. As much as he doesn't like to admit it, there isn't much more they can do for these two unless they are willing to give up more money. In any normal circumstances, Beren wouldn't care about donating some coins, but here.... there is no telling where their next paycheck will come from, or if there even will be a next one. And they can't help anyone if they can't feed themselves. 

Whenever they decide to head for the church, Beren hangs back upon noticing Saelethin. He really doesn't want to get into another conversation with her, not wanting to risk losing his temper again. So, he'll busy himself with untying Bluto... assuming the drunk is still tied where Argual left him. If Argual comes to help, he'll ask in a low tone, "Do you know anything of this... Lady Wachter?" 

Will respond tonight if nivi's post is up!

"Not in trouble, no."  Nivi's voice answering Van is strangely quiet and subdued.  "Back to the church, then, yeah?  Father Lucian may know what's up."

She seems uncharacteristically lost in thought on the way back to Saint Andral's.  Once there, she seeks out Father Lucian immediately, explaining in a quiet whisper what had happened with Lady Wachter apparently tricking the penniless orphans into stealing the bones for her in exchange for food.

"Promise me, Father, and I mean promise me.  Shouldn't be punished, these two.  Meant no harm and didn't know.  Unknowing catspaws for Wachter and likely the darklord.  I've got some metal here that says Yeska, Van and all the kiddos under your roof never go hungry for a while, yeah?"

Nivi palms 30 gold pieces from her own pack and hands them discreetly to Father Lucian, though her usually quick fingers seem slow and leaden.

(Sleight of Hand:  12)

"Any advice on how to approach the baroness and the bones?"  She addresses the group at large once more, including the party, Arugal and Father Lucian, agreeing with and expanding on Beren's query.  "Person with power and purpose.  Stands to reason she's working for... who we're afraid she's working for.  Don't see her just giving the bones up, if she hasn't handed them off already.  Or telling us much, neither.  We march right up to her digs?  Question her as Prophet here is thinking?  Sneak in, maybe disguised?  Sic Lu-lu and the town guard on her and watch for runners escaping?"

(Of course, if Morty transforms out of sight and returns as Jack, Nivi will ask her what he was trying to convey with the patterns in the dirt, without so much as acknowledging that she had been scratching him vigorously under the ribs and petting him in mastiff form not long ago.)

Though Moira's explaination is very well thought out, ultimately, these are still children. The only thing they respond with to it is Oh... as if that was the proper response. They simply didn't know how to respond to most of it, it was alien to them. They'd never had to think of such things before, and though the specifics of their thoughts were incomprehensible, Moira could tell that they understood enough atleast yet couldn't process a proper response... more like they'd never had the chance to think of more than the next meal and bunk their entire lives. As Moira then asks about their parents, Yeska answers simply for the pair.... They died a few weeks ago. though she did not elaborate - whether due to trauma or some other factor was hard to tell. She didn't cry atleast... or perhaps she couldn't cry anymore. In this land, who knew?

And then to whoever all suggested leaving the pair in the care of the church, they .. for lack of better phrasing 'didnt mind' it, though clearly what little of their childhood innocence remained still seemed to put them off as their minds went to 'chores.' Ultimately, Van could only say Sorry... we didn't know. Even if we aint in trouble, we still did a bad thing.. his mouth curving to a frown.

Suddenly, Jack bursts off with speed. Perhaps the mutt saw a squirrel and decided it was time for lunch? Regardless, due to the overall emptyness of the town, only ever hidden when many were gathered in a single location, finding a spot where  little could be seen wasn't overly difficult... and soon an eladrin had found out what being bipedal again was like.

Unfortunately for poor Beren, Bluto was tied within the church grounds and to untie him, ultimately brought him into Saelethin's view. Where prior she had seemed annoyed and lost, she was suddenly smiles as the man and Arugal worked on freeing the drunkard who was now conscious but unable to free himself from the bindings until assisted. Oi, what's the idea?! he asks, in reference to his predicament, a little more lucid than usual but still blubbery as Salethin watched, bemused. Tyin me up after bashin in me head? or was it my gut..? he says, not remembering how he'd fallen unconscious..... And can i please get some food!? he begs plaintively, and pathetically. 

Arugal looking to Beren, and whispering back so that Saelethin couldn't hear Just a ***** what thinks herself a baron or queen, though she has the money to back it up. Thorn in the side of Luvash. Not much else is known about her and her kin specifically, though many vistani deal with her... not all do. 

At which point, Sae approached closer, asking And just what are you two whispering about? Did we not all agree to share our information to better facilitate retrieving the lost relic? her head canting to the side in mock confusion.

---

As this was happening, Nivi and whoever else had entered the church proper, Van and Yeska in tow in order to hand them off to Father Lucien for safekeeping. Explaining to him the general outline of the situation, and only causing his brow to crease. Clearly he couldn't see why she might want to do such a thing aside from what Nivi was likely already considering. Clearly Lucien wasn't sure what 'catspaw' meant but he was intelligent enough to know it meant something amiss and nodded lightly. Looking at the two children, sighing in dissappointed understanding but one that made it clear that he wouldn't harm them. I'll speak with them gently about it. Give them the 'stranger' talk as it were. he promised. Though he's not as deft or quick to hide the coins, he understands what Nivi is getting at. And whispers saying I hope you would not mind me using some of this to feed the others... and though he looks hopeful, if told no, he doesn't push the issue. Though he does flash a sincere smile at the elf, clearly this was the greatest generosity he had personally ever seen.

Arugal had left with Bluto, though followed quickly by Beren who was doing his best to simply ignore Saelethin, who was - by now- growing angry at the disobedient 'child' as it were just as Nivi begins explaining and asking some questions.

I've .. never had to deal with Lady Wachter myself. She is as faithless as she is lacking in her philanthropy. Her and her ilk stay within the walls of her home most times, aside from when her sons are out and about, though I do not know their schedules to aid in that search specifically. Though they are known to be troublemakers of the worst sort... You may find them at the inn drinking.. or simply wandering the town during the day looking for trouble. I do know they like hearing adventurers tales though.. perhaps you could parlay? However you approach, be careful. Lady Wachter is known to be strong enough to hold her own.

The light behind the mask flickers giving the equivalent of an eye-roll from Beren as Bluto starts blabbering on as usual. Perhaps he should have Argual and Bluto go back to the inn and get themselves situated, though part of him would like to keep Argual with them if they decided to storm into Wachter's abode. In spite of the evil he'd detected in the man, the blasted power inside him hasn't urged him to lash out, plus Argual actually seems to be putting in an effort to make the most of his situation. Bluto on the other hand... he eyes the drunk, wondering what in this forsaken realm he's going to do with him.

He nods slightly when Argual whispers to him, and then actually flinches when Saelethin asks what they are whispering about. Gritting his teeth in irritation, he makes himself busy with collecting the ropes that were previously binding Bluto. When she pesters further he growls, "I agreed to nothing." Which technically is true considering he wasn't even aware of Nivi and Olamoira agreeing to share information with this woman. 

He keeps his shoulder to her, making it clear that he wants nothing to do with her at the moment (or ever again if he has his way), and doing his best not to lose his temper once more. Luckily Nivi appears, drawing Saelethin's attention away from him for the time being. Though the light flickers with irritation when he realizes that his 'retainer' is getting exactly what she wants even though he isn't giving it to her. 

After Argual shared further information Beren says in an undertone, promptly turning his mask to anyone other than the angry high elf (well, at least he had a small victory there if she really is showing anger), "Locating one or both of her sons sounds promising." He adjusts his grip on the coil of rope, pulling the ring tight. If the two of them were really troublemakers, then he'd be willing to deal with them even if they won't parlay. If he's going to be the bloody Avatar of the Sun, then he could always use their reputation as an excuse to get some information out of them. 

When Yeska says that the children's parents died, Olamoira feels her throat close up and an icy feeling spike into her heart. Another memory flashes across her vision, and she sees blood on her hands again as she lifts them up, horrified. No! No! No... for a moment she staggers backwards, but then she forces her hands down, blinking quickly as she throws a glance at Beren, the memory of the magical golden sign upon him burning into her vision. It seems to wash the blood away, and she straightens again. "I'm so sorry," she says to Yeska. "Where are they? Were they able to have a proper burial?"

Ola follows the others back, and as Nivi herds the children into the church, she stands by while Arugal and Beren untie poor blubbering Bluto. But the dark elf is watching Saelethin, now, curiously. At first, she had extended her respect of the church and its patron and its pastor to the cleric who had been seated in there, but there is something about the other elf's attitude now that Olamoira doesn't like. A thread of the same manipulation that was common parlance underground among the drow. Ola had used it herself many a time to soothe victims, gain influence, and secure her interests. Now, it makes her skin crawl, but she knows from long experience that it is difficult to confront directly. Instead, the drow smiles warmly at Saelethin. "Oh! What information have you discovered that you've come to share with us?"

Jack, for his part, appeared no more bothered by Nivi's approach after the display of platonic affection than he would at any other time. But when asked about the patterns, he appeared confused for a bit, before finally going "Ah~" and snapping his fingers. "Almost slipped my mind there. Uhm, sadly in hindsight it wouldn't have mattered much. But you remember that bard fellow? Well, could be he can be of assistance to us now. But, I'll go more into that later, as it seems someone awaits us." At that, he directs her attention ahead of the group and to a waiting Salethin.

For better or worse at that point, curiosity gets the better of Jack. So while Nivi slipped away immediately to handle business within the church (and maybe dodge another confrontation with Sal), Jack stood just behind and a bit off to the side of Beren, watching with great interest the interaction between the paladin and his handler. "Oh, I am missing so much context~~" Jack muttered and managed to sound both amused and worried all at once. But mostly amused, judging by the half-smile that arose with Sae's questioning.

(OOC: I'll admit at this point I'm a bit lost where people are at as it was suggested Nivi went into the church, but then is directing her last paragraph to the party? But with most sticking outside, my brain is getting error message. So I'm going to assume at this point I maybe misread a point of a transition and assume after freeing Bluto we all went inside the church for now. But DM may feel free to correct me and we can ignore this next half of the post.)

"Alternatively, we could try to speak to Rictavio -- that's the Bard we saw at the center. He seemed to be, uhm, in her good graces these days. Even offered me an opportunity to meet her before, or... perhaps a means of setting that up?" The Eladrin shrugs. "Frankly, and I believe I mentioned something to this effect before to Beren, but frankly it was a bit unclear. Though I've played at the Dance of Tongues in the Feywild, not all the same nuances translates over here quite well. If nothing else however, he is open to the idea, and we aughta be able to seek him out at the tavern we stayed in last night, or so I'd imagine. Not as if there's much else to do here."

@ mehmen

"(OOC: I'll admit at this point I'm a bit lost where people are at as it was suggested Nivi went into the church, but then is directing her last paragraph to the party? But with most sticking outside, my brain is getting error message. So I'm going to assume at this point I maybe misread a point of a transition and assume after freeing Bluto we all went inside the church for now. But DM may feel free to correct me and we can ignore this next half of the post.)"

It was somewhat that way for me as well, but for the sake of coherency i made it so ultimately everyone went into the church in order to be able to finish my post.

"Feed who you like with the gold, Father.  I'm good having it be your call.  Just... the hungry kids are first in line, yeah?"

Nivi attempts to act nonchalant about it as she whispers to Father Lucian, though she has a lump in her throat that suggests otherwise.

After having laid out what she considers to be the options to the whole group, which she finds with mild annoyance to include Saelethin, Nivi listens.

"Shorty's got a good option there if that bard Rictavio can be an asset.  I'm thinking we try that way first, and if no dice, then the troublemaking sons?  Worst comes to worst, as I keep sayin', we could sic Lu-lu and his guards on her and watch outside for anyone making a run for it with the bones."

(Nivi continues to listen in case anyone else in the "crew" has any other ideas, including if Saelethin answers Olamoira's question.)

Saelethin could only smirk, ever so faintly at Beren's defiance. Afterall, she always had that option. Though she rarely employed it, it was one Beren loathed, he hated being commanded. Though everyone was now within the church speaking to or near Lucien. (for the sake of ease) Moira having heard the answer before everyone arrived in one place that their parents had been outside the walls, doing 'bootani' when they were eaten by zombies, or atleast that is what the guards had told them. So there had been nothing 'to' bury.(trying to get everything to the current timeline!) Saelethin did not respond to Moira's query just yet, telling her that she would share it when all were gathered as Lucien and Nivi spoke their parts.

Lucien nods to Nivi's request.  I wouldn't take a donation for someone specific and do otherwise Nivaele.

The group discusses the various options and avenues within the safe confines of the sealed room they had been in before. Saelethin chiming in to share her portion. A ***** she may be but she was keeping her word atleast. I had learned that the girl.. Yeska and the other... uh, Vinnie was it? had been absent for the better part of half a tenday and that the timeline matched up with Lucien's experience. Though it seems you all had already solved that particular issue. I've also been in town for a little longer than you all. I do not know much about this Wachter woman, only that she sees her self as important. Her family used to be wealthy as we would understand it. Now she barely has the funds of a low ranking noble, but here, that is still a wealth.

It seems that gold isn't as plentiful here as it is in our plane. She holds considerable influence still, enough that her sons get off without retribution. She's likely paying them off when her sons get in trouble. Sae says all this with various faint flourishes, as many orators do, those used to speaking to crowds, her tone neutral, confident. My suggestion is.. if this Rictavio fellow who i believe I've heard speaking within that tavern, telling tall tales by the sounds of it... has some connection, you should use it to get in if you think you can. Otherwise, your other choices have about as much chance of succeeding as the rest.

But this is your show afterall. I am merely an eager observer. Something that likely brought Beren annoyance. Sae had always loved to agree to a task, and then set him on it. Only to claim the credit herself in the end. Yet he also knew she could beat a man to death when she'd been crossed, and with the ease of a trained killer. 

Beren listens silently as Saelethin stages her little performance. He can't help but think that none of her jabbering is useful, as much of it is information they either already knew or could have guessed with everything else they've learned. He stands with Argual and Bluto, a step or so back from the rest of the group in an attempt to hold his own irritation at bay. The light behind the mask narrows, giving the impression of a glare when Saelethin states that she is 'merely an observer'. Beren honestly has no idea what she thinks she has to gain from any of this, but then again, he scarcely knows why she does (or has him do) anything most of the time. 

In the back of his mind, he thinks that it might be possible for him to at least temporarily get rid of her by telling Luvash that she is... an unwanted obstacle of a sort. Get the burgomaster against her, and then have him turn the village against her then she wouldn't be able to come after him. After all, Beren is supposed to be the savior here, so anyone who gets in the way of the Avatar of the Sun should be cast out of the village. Leave her to the zombies. Who knows, with her winning personality, she might make friends with them... 

He shuts his eyes for a moment, pushing away those ideas for the time being. Right now they need to focus on the task at hand, and besides, knowing Saelethin, she probably has a multitude of ways to wriggle out of whatever plans Beren can think of to get rid of her. For all he knows, this whole Avatar of the Sun nonsense could have been her ida. It sounds impossible, since apparently Luvash has been spinning that tale for years, but still, Beren cant help but question. 

As a result of his general dislike for his 'retainer' Beren's first instinct is to completely disregard her advice and stick to his own plan of interrogating the unruly sons. But then again, Saelethin might be right, and they only have so many options. So, he'll just turn his mask to his companions and wait for their response. 

As someone with a similar habit of throwing in the odd gesture or flourish of the hand while weaving a tale, Jack hadn't known how much he missed having a kindred spirit until Sae took the proverbial stage! Yet even after absentmindedly shifting to a posture more suited to someone appraising a work of art, and actually finding it most pleasing during the process alone at that, the eladrin's gaze wavered once or twice to gauge their others reactions... or lacktherof, as the case may be.

In Beren's case, his silence spoke volumes, and might've held Jack's attention the longest by seconds more. But then following a furrowing of brows and click of the tongue, he turned to address Sea. "An eager observer? How quaint! Though I suspect not for long if a certain writer has anything to do with it. Though alas if such comes to be, I don't wager your fate being the most kind to you." His eyes are narrowed to thin slits as he gives the widest, almost cheshire smile.

"Now then-" With a clap of his hands, Jack is back to his usual(ish) state as he addressed everyone. "Much as I personally deplore being the bearer of bad news, a child's word alone would hardly move our dear burgomaster. No matter how much he and the darling Lady Wahcter might not quite see things eye to eye." He assures with a feigned sad look. "Plus, any force he might muster is bound to draw notice long before they actual arrive, and spur her towards taking extra precautions in making sure no proof of the theft remains in her clutches. Though on a curious note does beg the question as to why she truly wanted them in the first place, but wild speculation -- while most certainly fun -- is hardly something we have time to engage in right now." Jack admitted frankly.

"So, unless we're to abandon this thread altogether for the less pressing investigation into a certain winery a ways away, better to head to the Inn. As odds are we might run into those two rapscallions there anyhow, provided they don't find the lake or the campsites outside as far more attractive sites today." On that particular note, Jack immediately began stroling for the doors ready to depart almost immediately without seeming much second thought.

Nivi realizes belatedly that she had forgotten to turn into Niva'ele Farstrider for Father Lucian's benefit this time.

Oops!  I can only keep that song and dance up for so long, anyway.  Hard on the bloody back and jaws.  She grins ruefully, satisfied that the kiddos would be taken care of for some time at least, barring the threat to the church with the bones gone.  Which had become the main point now of course anyway.

"Shorty, child's word alone might not move Lu-Lu except he already doesn't like Wachter.  'Thorn in his side' and all, like Ruby said.  Ol' Lu-lu's looking for any excuse to bring the hammer down.  And we so much as suggest it's the darklord she's likely working for...  stealing those sacred bones...  Have you seen Lu-lu and how he runs this town?  True or not, I'm thinking he makes an example of her like he wanted to with Bluto and Ruby in front of the festival crowd before Beren shut it down.  Would have to stake out her place beforehand and watch for runners if they do a search and surround..."

She sighs.  "But yeah, not the greatest plan.  Clumsy.  Playin' politics and manipulating Lu-lu.  More my sister's department.  Or maybe Sales the self-proclaimed 'eager observer' here.  Let's go check out the Blue Water Inn.  See if we can roust Rictavio or the two Wachter young bloods."

Olamoira listens to the various options being presented. Muster the burgomaster's force. Try to gain an audience with Rictavio's influence. Try to convince deliquent sons to give us some advantage. The drow does not like any of these options, as she turns them over in her mind, her eyes narrow, her brow furrowing in a subtle mask of frustration.

"To parlay with all of these fellows of suspect character," Ola speaks up, "whether it be the burgomaster, Rictavio, or Wachter's sons, will not help our goal. Such a person as Lady Wachter will give us nothing unless we play the same game she does. I do not wish to play. Webs of deceit I have left behind. We do not have force. I would like to go to her manor, and look for the bones. Look for their traces. Silently. Without speaking to her, or to anyone else. The prayers of St. Andral are powerful. Who gives us strength in this unholy land? Who is the cornerstone of the temple upon whose roof we precariously perch? We do not need to play Strahd's games. We must stand for what is wholly opposed to his whole twisted realm, for in no other way will we defeat him." Turning with determination in the direction they had come from, towards Wachter's manor, and reaching out a pale-robed arm, Ola rests a hand on the hard metal of Beren's armored shoulder, and she takes a step, almost seeming to lean against the glowing knight to keep herself upright, like she were a flowering bean vine falling off of its trellis but for just a few viney tendrils latching on.

Jack smiled politely at Nivi's counterpoint, and even nodded along at points. A few errant thoughts left cringing at one point as well, but his face quickly smooths out once more with Nivi ultimately seeing his side of things. But then Olamoira speaking up with her own solution, leaving Jack by the end closing his eyes and shaking his head as if disappointed.

"So you would trade a likely compromising attempt at negotiation for noble snooping and thieving? Admirable! Foolish in no doubt the eyes of those far more intelligent or clever than any of us, but as admirable as it might be as dangerous. For we still know too little about her, her manor, where she might've actually kept them, and so, so much more." He conveys with a hint of amusement to his voice. Just as he's about to open his mouth to say more, he pauses for a second, and tries to subtly look about the room, aiming to see or catch any hints of others listening in on the conversation besides the immediate group.

Perception: 11.

In sensing someone, he simply says, "T'was a shame an ambitious mouse will hamstring such an effort", before then gesturing in the direction of the culprit.

However, if nothing gets his attention, he chuckles before saying, "Sad to say, my dear, sweet, repentant acolyte that too few of us are skilled at the means of such a bold infiltration, let alone suitably subtle alternatives to pursue such a course. And if or when things go exceptionally wrong, well... that might make it awkward for the poor saps that had to do the proverbial heavy lifting for such a quest. Personally, I-" His voice catches for a moment. "-I at the very least would like to learn more about her, her motivations, and, I dunno, work out something 'fore we go making enemies -- But, as always, I'll defer to the group on this one." 

Beren nods when Nivi suggests heading to the Blue Water Inn. Perhaps an opportunity, wither with Rictavio or the Wachter sons will present itself. Right now, he'll take any excuse to just leave the church... and its current visitor.

Then Olamoira speaks up, and her solution... well part of it doesn't really surprise Beren, but the other part does. Sneak in? That doesn't sound appealing at all. Still, he doesn't respond to those words, not really wanting to voice his thoughts on the matter. She already knows how he feels about this divine whatever that's got hold of him. Needless to say, trusting in whatever meager power that clings to the stolen bones doesn't sound promising to him. If they want to get something done, they'll have to trust in their own abilities to make it happen. He glances at her as she touches his shoulder, as if not really understanding the gesture. Regardless he doesn't move, letting her use him as a support as he turns his attention towards Jack when the Eladrin responds to the drow's words. 

Jack's opinion doesn't surprise him. Avoiding making enemies with someone they haven't even met yet is logical enough. Beren can't argue with that, but there is part of him that just wants to storm Lady Wachter's home and demand the bones back. The only negotiating he's really willing to do is with the bard, and only because he could provide an in depending on where he stands. Manipulation isn't really his strength, and neither is sneaking in like a thief.

Still, he's not used to leading, or making plans for himself. He'd much rather the rest of the group come up with something, as in spite of not knowing them for long, he already trusts that their planning abilities are stronger than his own. 

"Let's head to the inn," he says in a low tone, still doing his best to not look at Saelethin (assuming she is still there at this point). "Perhaps we can gain more intel, as Jack suggested. Or perhaps this... Rictavio or one of the Wachter sons will show up and present other options." Either way, they are accomplishing nothing by standing here. 

Olamoira pushes herself up a little straighter, still holding onto Beren's shoulder. "Whether those means be as silent as I said... or more of a stand of glory against a known evil... yes... St. Andral will help us," she speaks in response to Jack.

But as Beren seems to take charge on the course of action of heading to the inn, Olamoira relents immediately. Still quite convinced that the glowing knight has greater wisdom than does she. "Yes, my lord," she says, bowing her head. "We'll go to the inn. Let me know how I can be of assistance." And, reverently, as if embarrassed that she was using him as an arm rest, she takes her hand off of him and bows her head. Resisting the impulse to make a more dramatic prostration, as she was wont to do in the past.

(((((I will get a post out tomorrow after work (which is roughly the same time as this post) if the timing is right, seems like you are having an IC discussion but haven't had time to read.)))))

(Why does DNDB keep telling me there's activity and then i look and there's not >.>)

Father Lucien seems to note the shift in Nivi's demeanor though he doesn't say anything on it, finding it curious. The discussion progressing as Sae and Lucien listen intently on the party's suggestions. Luckily for the Eladrin, they were in the confessional room as they had been prior, so no sound would escape, and no spell would pierce in.. well at-least not the spying kind. Storming the place, committing larceny and wet work, or seeking inroads through connections, the discussion wasn't overly long before a decision had been mostly made. To the inn.

Lucien nodded, and held up his hand. Before you go, let me pray over you a moment. and assuming no one leaves immediately despite it, Lucien speaks a short prayer, and like a tingle along the spine, each of you that remained within the room feel a breif, minty soothing that fades quickly. (You gain the benefit of a single use of Guidance as if it were bardic inspiration. It will last until midnight. It has a single use, and gives you a +1d4 to a save, skill, or ability check.)

Saelethin nods along once the prayer is done. Indeed! her hands motioning in a holy motion similar to that of real life catholics if skewed slightly. I shall wait here and await word of your success. For Beren has never failed me or our faith yet. Her words as sincere, yet also hold that Sword of Damocles intonation as she looks to Beren as if to say 'You haven't failed me yet, do not begin now' Afterall, in order to return the bones here atleast one of you will have to actually come here! she says bubbly, knowingly. Do not fret, I will not be idle. I shall provide what succor I can to those here, and I will protect them should harm seek them. Beren atleast would know that she was telling as much of the truth as was possible. She would keep her word to some degree in this case.

With things settled in the church, and a destination decided, you all head to the Blue Water Inn. An hour has passed between your conversation and actually arriving to the Inn itself. The sun is hanging lower though evening is still a little ways off. But in the ever-present 'shade' of this realm, it was always darker than it should have been at any given time.

The inn is mostly empty, aside from a few of the 'soulless' dispersed between two tables, sitting alone, and a third patron on the opposite side. He already looked buzzed from several pints of ale he had decided to strew about the floor. Urwin was visibly perturbed as the boy slapped Urwins wife's rump hard, along with a solicitous comment. But his expression was one that made you think he wished he could do something, that he knew he could yet that doing so would invite unwanted .. issues. The wife angrily slipping back away, obviously holding back words herself till she was out of sight in the back of the establishment, where faint cursing could be heard.

The soulless didn't seem to mind, nor care. They sipped slowly from their mugs, nursing droplets at a time, seeming apathetic. The first of you to have come in, as you're taking all this in, see's a mug fly past their head, thrown by the boy though not seeming intended to hit, but rather you just happened to be in the wrong place when he was exercising his rapscalionization in a random direction.

Oi, get me another mug! that one had spittle on it! And an order of mashed tatoes. ACTUALLY mashed this time, Urwin.

Without fully knowing whether some of his words had been taken to heart, or Sae simply had a different definition of playing the observer to the group, Jack is ultimately nonplussed by her voiced desire of remaining behind to help in her own way. He would, however, give Beren a sideways look of mild curiosity before the group carry on their way to the Inn. During the journey itself Jack further shared more details of his encounter with Rictavio, and of catching sight of the crows. "Of course their appearance could just as well be happenstance. But even then, I had a thought that -- while I could not do so today, if push came to shove, I think I could have a delightful chat with them tomorrow about the things they've seen or even heard."

Irregardless of whatever might come of any commentary along the way, once the group arrive on the scene at the Inn, and had Jack been in the lead at that point at that, he wouldn't so much as flinch at the near miss, but rather look mildly confused at his would be attacker. "My, oh, my what a state to be in so earlier the afternoon. Then again, given the state of the world, I suppose it's more surprising the city isn't just littered with drunken bodies." He said while further into the Inn, giving Urwin a polite wave. He then glances about the room one more time before clicking his tongue and saying, "No Rictavio? Now that's a right shame. Suppose I'll just have a drink the meantime." He then look baqck and quietly whispers to the group a "Good Luck", before making his way over to the bar, ready to flag down Urwin or his wife once either hadn't seemed so busy.