"Hm, I'd say wait until tomorrow then. We can't afford for the message to go astray", Normont replies.
"The Cobalt Soul might be a good source of information as well. We could seek out their representative here again and see how she can help", he suggests. "She may even be able to get a message to Blainith".
"The first question. Should we split up to cover more ground, or stick together as there is safety in numbers?".
"I guess...," Dev answers, "that if they really wanted to attack us individually, they could have already. So maybe we're not in danger exactly, as long as they don't see us as, like a threat?" He considers a bit more, gaining confidence.
"I mean, they didn't have to warn us this morning, they could have just attacked us like, yesterday, when we weren't looking. Or whenever. Instead they decided to deliver a message. What I mean is, maybe we don't have to worry about safety? I mean, not in that way. At least, not yet. Like, we're not... dumb, right? Of course we're going to try to find out more about the message and who sent it? If they didn't want us to ask questions they should have just tried to kill us."
Also, Dev thinks, I'd rather talk with Balaran alone. It would be weird to drop the whole gang on him, like an investigation.
"If we split up, where would we go?" Lokilia asks Normont. But as she thinks she partly answers her own question. "Guess there is Balaran. And then the Cobalt Soul. And I suppose splitting up might make it a little harder for them to track us. But they seem to have lots of resources." She listens to Dev, nodding along with what he's saying. "Maybe Dev and I could go talk to Balaran and Normont, you go with Quinn to the Cobalt Soul?"
"I agree, Dev. They don't see us as a threat right now, and although I expect them to try and monitor our movements I do not believe they will be worried about us seeking information. They encouraged it in fact", Normont replies.
"It sounds like we are agreed that we split up for today whilst we gather information. When we regroup we will hopefully have more information with which to plan our next move", he adds, nodding in approval.
"I guess it's you and me again then, Quinn. Let's head to the library and see if we can catch the lady from the Cobalt Soul".
"Good!" Lokilia says. "Well Dev, where do you suppose we could find Balaran today?" She then nods to Quinn. "We will be careful. I think Dev and I are pretty resourceful. We'll make sure we make it back in one piece." She then says to Normont, "Should we set a time and place to return? Hmm, and we still need to find a place to stay, don't we?"
"With my grandfather gone, we don't need to move", Normont replies. "That might attract more attention to us".
"Let's just meet back at my grandfather's house when we are done, but make sure it is before sunset. After that, we should assume something has happened".
"Good!" Lokilia says. "Well Dev, where do you suppose we could find Balaran today?" She then nods to Quinn. "We will be careful. I think Dev and I are pretty resourceful. We'll make sure we make it back in one piece." She then says to Normont, "Should we set a time and place to return? Hmm, and we still need to find a place to stay, don't we?"
Dev is at first uncertain... he had thought he would speak with Balaran alone... he turns away for a moment to hide the emotions playing over his face. But the thought suddenly takes him, What was I thinking?
He turns back, and with a giggle, beams at Lokilia. "Good idea. I don't know why, but I was kind of thinking I'd talk to him alone for some reason. But it's WAY better if you'll be there too. You'll have better questions to ask. And he likes you."
To the question of location, the teen tiefling is unsure. "Usually, his studio? We can try there, or maybe the tree again."
(DM... does Dev know if Balaran keeps a schedule that would make it easy to know where he might be at this moment?)
"With my grandfather gone, we don't need to move", Normont replies. "That might attract more attention to us".
"Let's just meet back at my grandfather's house when we are done, but make sure it is before sunset. After that, we should assume something has happened".
"That makes sense," Dev replies. He wishes good luck to Normont and Quinn, then heads off to find Balaran with Lokilia.
Lokilia nods to Normont. "Alright, we'll meet you back at your grandfather's house!" She then heads out with Dev to find Balaran. "I'll follow you Dev, you likely know better than I do where he'd be."
She had heard Dev's comment about thinking he'd 'talk to him alone' and put it together with his reactions and realized maybe she should have just let him go alone. It was fleeting though as she the latched on to his comment 'he likes you'. She stays silent until the two of them are out on their way. "Dev, you really think Balaran likes me? I mean, I think it's clearly you who he likes."
"Shall we?", Normont says to Quinn now that the arrangements for meeting back up are set. With that, he heads out towards the library looking for the representative of the Cobalt Soul.
Maggie pads alongside him, and he direct Amber to fly above as they move through the city and let him know if she sees anyone following them.
(OOC: DM - I don't believe we got a name for the Cobalt Soul person did we?)
Lokilia nods to Normont. "Alright, we'll meet you back at your grandfather's house!" She then heads out with Dev to find Balaran. "I'll follow you Dev, you likely know better than I do where he'd be."
She had heard Dev's comment about thinking he'd 'talk to him alone' and put it together with his reactions and realized maybe she should have just let him go alone. It was fleeting though as she the latched on to his comment 'he likes you'. She stays silent until the two of them are out on their way. "Dev, you really think Balaran likes me? I mean, I think it's clearly you who he likes."
“Well…,” Dev fumbles, smiling at his friend. “I mean, after he… it’s just that he thinks I’m too young to, like,…. to want to like me more than he does? But I mean I think he’s okay with being friends? With me. And that’s… I mean, I don’t even know that many tieflings,” Lokilia notices Dev uses the word more freely now, “… and he’s amazing, so I’m really happy.” Lokilia may perceive that there’s more to it that Dev himself may be unaware of as the lad continues. “And I just meant, that he likes you too. Not likes likes, but just, likes.” Dev, who never drops a word when singing a song, chuckles at his own awkwardness speaking of the relationship.
"Good!" Lokilia says. "Well Dev, where do you suppose we could find Balaran today?" She then nods to Quinn. "We will be careful. I think Dev and I are pretty resourceful. We'll make sure we make it back in one piece." She then says to Normont, "Should we set a time and place to return? Hmm, and we still need to find a place to stay, don't we?"
Dev is at first uncertain... he had thought he would speak with Balaran alone... he turns away for a moment to hide the emotions playing over his face. But the thought suddenly takes him, What was I thinking?
He turns back, and with a giggle, beams at Lokilia. "Good idea. I don't know why, but I was kind of thinking I'd talk to him alone for some reason. But it's WAY better if you'll be there too. You'll have better questions to ask. And he likes you."
To the question of location, the teen tiefling is unsure. "Usually, his studio? We can try there, or maybe the tree again."
(DM... does Dev know if Balaran keeps a schedule that would make it easy to know where he might be at this moment?)
"With my grandfather gone, we don't need to move", Normont replies. "That might attract more attention to us".
"Let's just meet back at my grandfather's house when we are done, but make sure it is before sunset. After that, we should assume something has happened".
"That makes sense," Dev replies. He wishes good luck to Normont and Quinn, then heads off to find Balaran with Lokilia.
Lokilia nods to Normont. "Alright, we'll meet you back at your grandfather's house!" She then heads out with Dev to find Balaran. "I'll follow you Dev, you likely know better than I do where he'd be."
She had heard Dev's comment about thinking he'd 'talk to him alone' and put it together with his reactions and realized maybe she should have just let him go alone. It was fleeting though as she the latched on to his comment 'he likes you'. She stays silent until the two of them are out on their way. "Dev, you really think Balaran likes me? I mean, I think it's clearly you who he likes."
“Well…,” Dev fumbles, smiling at his friend. “I mean, after he… it’s just that he thinks I’m too young to, like,…. to want to like me more than he does? But I mean I think he’s okay with being friends? With me. And that’s… I mean, I don’t even know that many tieflings,” Lokilia notices Dev uses the word more freely now, “… and he’s amazing, so I’m really happy.” Lokilia may perceive that there’s more to it that Dev himself may be unaware of as the lad continues. “And I just meant, that he likes you too. Not likes likes, but just, likes.” Dev, who never drops a word when singing a song, chuckles at his own awkwardness speaking of the relationship.
Dev has a fair idea where Balaran would be at this time and heads out with Lokilia to find him, leading the way to a small Marquesian coffee shop, Habibi, in the South Ward opposite the Hearth of the Everlight and nestled up against a number of clothing stores.
Balaran was at his usual table with a warm wrap of scarlet around his shoulders and a sketch pad and charcoals in his hand, a number of honey pastries and a pot of dark coffee sat on the table before him.
" Well.....if it isn't some of my favourite people. What have you two been up to?"
"Shall we?", Normont says to Quinn now that the arrangements for meeting back up are set. With that, he heads out towards the library looking for the representative of the Cobalt Soul.
Maggie pads alongside him, and he direct Amber to fly above as they move through the city and let him know if she sees anyone following them.
(OOC: DM - I don't believe we got a name for the Cobalt Soul person did we?)
Quinn and Normont head back to the Palace and are granted access, they are ushered into the library where the head librarian, a rather gothic looking youngish gnome woman dressed in black lace, shows them through to the office of the Cobalt Soul representative.
The human woman behind the desk looks up once more recognising them , her desk is still a mess of charts, notations and tomes but this time the two men do happen to catch sight of a plaque on her desk indicating she is Archivist Pren.
She stands and ushers them in dressed in a simple grey smock dress with an overcoat. Her hair is shorter than last time and seems to have had a red dye run through it some weeks ago though it is mostly grown out now.
" Welcome back Gentlemen. How may I be of assistance."
As they are still walking to the coffee shop, Lokilia continues talking to Dev. She chuckles a little with him, then moves a hand causing a light breeze to ruffle his hair. "I'm sure Balaran thinks he has good reasons, but I think he's missing out in not liking you more." She still wonders what he really might think of her too but tries to push that thought away. "Anyway, as long as you enjoy the friendship you have with him, that's great."
"Hi," she says in response to Balaran's cheery greeting. For a moment she isn't sure what else to say but soon finds the words. "Well, you mean other than listening to all of Dev's fabulous music? Still just wandering the gardens of the city and tending to the plants at the elder Mr. Fizzlepeak's house. Seems Normont's grandmother had quite the herb garden. Think I've got it back in good health."
She then glances to Dev, not wanting to hog the conversation.
"Archivist Pren, it is good to see you too", Normont replies a he enters her office.
"We were hoping you might be able to assist us with something. We have come across a group in Whitestone that appears less than savoury. They go by the monicker The Nameless Ones", he starts, watching her for any sign of recognition.
"Perhaps you might have heard of them? They have apparently been active in other cities already. Emon, Westruun and Kymal were mentioned. Even if you haven't heard of them yourself, perhaps you have resources that might help us? Or have a way to contact Blainith for us?".
"Hi," she says in response to Balaran's cheery greeting. For a moment she isn't sure what else to say but soon finds the words. "Well, you mean other than listening to all of Dev's fabulous music? Still just wandering the gardens of the city and tending to the plants at the elder Mr. Fizzlepeak's house. Seems Normont's grandmother had quite the herb garden. Think I've got it back in good health."
She then glances to Dev, not wanting to hog the conversation.
“You and I must make a pact... We must bring salvation back...," Dev sings, making a humorous face, a verse he knows Balaran knows from a song he’s heard before. He smiles modestly at Lokilia’s compliment. “You should see it, Balaran. The garden Lokilia’s been working on, that is. It’s really pretty. And me… I’ve been slogging through verses to get to the end of the story song I want to sing at the castle for my performance there.” He knows Balaran already knows about this gig. “I’d love your opinion, I have the beginning and ending, but toward the middle, I’m just… I’m not sure what works best?” He sits across from Balaran. "You just look so cozy with your coffee and everything… mmm… maybe I’ll have a pastry too.” Dev gets the attention of a waiter, making a “me too” motion toward Balaran’s goodies. He doesn’t try to hide the fact that he wants to ask Balaran something in particular as he peeks at the artist’s sketches. “What are you working on?”
Lokilia had been eyeing the honey pastries since they had arrived. She'd been too focused on talking to Balaran at first, but now seated listening to Dev, she quietly orders a pastry for herself as well. She's willing otherwise to sit back for now and let Dev talk.
"Hm, I'd say wait until tomorrow then. We can't afford for the message to go astray", Normont replies.
"The Cobalt Soul might be a good source of information as well. We could seek out their representative here again and see how she can help", he suggests. "She may even be able to get a message to Blainith".
"The first question. Should we split up to cover more ground, or stick together as there is safety in numbers?".
(OOC: Nice, thanks DM)
"I guess...," Dev answers, "that if they really wanted to attack us individually, they could have already. So maybe we're not in danger exactly, as long as they don't see us as, like a threat?" He considers a bit more, gaining confidence.
"I mean, they didn't have to warn us this morning, they could have just attacked us like, yesterday, when we weren't looking. Or whenever. Instead they decided to deliver a message. What I mean is, maybe we don't have to worry about safety? I mean, not in that way. At least, not yet. Like, we're not... dumb, right? Of course we're going to try to find out more about the message and who sent it? If they didn't want us to ask questions they should have just tried to kill us."
Also, Dev thinks, I'd rather talk with Balaran alone. It would be weird to drop the whole gang on him, like an investigation.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I have no connections, so I can be a protector for anyone." Quinn says.
"If we split up, where would we go?" Lokilia asks Normont. But as she thinks she partly answers her own question. "Guess there is Balaran. And then the Cobalt Soul. And I suppose splitting up might make it a little harder for them to track us. But they seem to have lots of resources." She listens to Dev, nodding along with what he's saying. "Maybe Dev and I could go talk to Balaran and Normont, you go with Quinn to the Cobalt Soul?"
She waits to see what everyone thinks.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"I agree, Dev. They don't see us as a threat right now, and although I expect them to try and monitor our movements I do not believe they will be worried about us seeking information. They encouraged it in fact", Normont replies.
"It sounds like we are agreed that we split up for today whilst we gather information. When we regroup we will hopefully have more information with which to plan our next move", he adds, nodding in approval.
"I guess it's you and me again then, Quinn. Let's head to the library and see if we can catch the lady from the Cobalt Soul".
Quinn nods, and says, "Please be safe, I don't want to lose you two."
"Good!" Lokilia says. "Well Dev, where do you suppose we could find Balaran today?" She then nods to Quinn. "We will be careful. I think Dev and I are pretty resourceful. We'll make sure we make it back in one piece." She then says to Normont, "Should we set a time and place to return? Hmm, and we still need to find a place to stay, don't we?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"With my grandfather gone, we don't need to move", Normont replies. "That might attract more attention to us".
"Let's just meet back at my grandfather's house when we are done, but make sure it is before sunset. After that, we should assume something has happened".
Dev is at first uncertain... he had thought he would speak with Balaran alone... he turns away for a moment to hide the emotions playing over his face. But the thought suddenly takes him, What was I thinking?
He turns back, and with a giggle, beams at Lokilia. "Good idea. I don't know why, but I was kind of thinking I'd talk to him alone for some reason. But it's WAY better if you'll be there too. You'll have better questions to ask. And he likes you."
To the question of location, the teen tiefling is unsure. "Usually, his studio? We can try there, or maybe the tree again."
(DM... does Dev know if Balaran keeps a schedule that would make it easy to know where he might be at this moment?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"That makes sense," Dev replies. He wishes good luck to Normont and Quinn, then heads off to find Balaran with Lokilia.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia nods to Normont. "Alright, we'll meet you back at your grandfather's house!" She then heads out with Dev to find Balaran. "I'll follow you Dev, you likely know better than I do where he'd be."
She had heard Dev's comment about thinking he'd 'talk to him alone' and put it together with his reactions and realized maybe she should have just let him go alone. It was fleeting though as she the latched on to his comment 'he likes you'. She stays silent until the two of them are out on their way. "Dev, you really think Balaran likes me? I mean, I think it's clearly you who he likes."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"Shall we?", Normont says to Quinn now that the arrangements for meeting back up are set. With that, he heads out towards the library looking for the representative of the Cobalt Soul.
Maggie pads alongside him, and he direct Amber to fly above as they move through the city and let him know if she sees anyone following them.
(OOC: DM - I don't believe we got a name for the Cobalt Soul person did we?)
“Well…,” Dev fumbles, smiling at his friend. “I mean, after he… it’s just that he thinks I’m too young to, like,…. to want to like me more than he does? But I mean I think he’s okay with being friends? With me. And that’s… I mean, I don’t even know that many tieflings,” Lokilia notices Dev uses the word more freely now, “… and he’s amazing, so I’m really happy.” Lokilia may perceive that there’s more to it that Dev himself may be unaware of as the lad continues. “And I just meant, that he likes you too. Not likes likes, but just, likes.” Dev, who never drops a word when singing a song, chuckles at his own awkwardness speaking of the relationship.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Dev has a fair idea where Balaran would be at this time and heads out with Lokilia to find him, leading the way to a small Marquesian coffee shop, Habibi, in the South Ward opposite the Hearth of the Everlight and nestled up against a number of clothing stores.
Balaran was at his usual table with a warm wrap of scarlet around his shoulders and a sketch pad and charcoals in his hand, a number of honey pastries and a pot of dark coffee sat on the table before him.
" Well.....if it isn't some of my favourite people. What have you two been up to?"
Quinn and Normont head back to the Palace and are granted access, they are ushered into the library where the head librarian, a rather gothic looking youngish gnome woman dressed in black lace, shows them through to the office of the Cobalt Soul representative.
The human woman behind the desk looks up once more recognising them , her desk is still a mess of charts, notations and tomes but this time the two men do happen to catch sight of a plaque on her desk indicating she is Archivist Pren.
She stands and ushers them in dressed in a simple grey smock dress with an overcoat. Her hair is shorter than last time and seems to have had a red dye run through it some weeks ago though it is mostly grown out now.
" Welcome back Gentlemen. How may I be of assistance."
As they are still walking to the coffee shop, Lokilia continues talking to Dev. She chuckles a little with him, then moves a hand causing a light breeze to ruffle his hair. "I'm sure Balaran thinks he has good reasons, but I think he's missing out in not liking you more." She still wonders what he really might think of her too but tries to push that thought away. "Anyway, as long as you enjoy the friendship you have with him, that's great."
"Hi," she says in response to Balaran's cheery greeting. For a moment she isn't sure what else to say but soon finds the words. "Well, you mean other than listening to all of Dev's fabulous music? Still just wandering the gardens of the city and tending to the plants at the elder Mr. Fizzlepeak's house. Seems Normont's grandmother had quite the herb garden. Think I've got it back in good health."
She then glances to Dev, not wanting to hog the conversation.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
"Archivist Pren, it is good to see you too", Normont replies a he enters her office.
"We were hoping you might be able to assist us with something. We have come across a group in Whitestone that appears less than savoury. They go by the monicker The Nameless Ones", he starts, watching her for any sign of recognition.
"Perhaps you might have heard of them? They have apparently been active in other cities already. Emon, Westruun and Kymal were mentioned. Even if you haven't heard of them yourself, perhaps you have resources that might help us? Or have a way to contact Blainith for us?".
“You and I must make a pact... We must bring salvation back...," Dev sings, making a humorous face, a verse he knows Balaran knows from a song he’s heard before. He smiles modestly at Lokilia’s compliment. “You should see it, Balaran. The garden Lokilia’s been working on, that is. It’s really pretty. And me… I’ve been slogging through verses to get to the end of the story song I want to sing at the castle for my performance there.” He knows Balaran already knows about this gig. “I’d love your opinion, I have the beginning and ending, but toward the middle, I’m just… I’m not sure what works best?” He sits across from Balaran. "You just look so cozy with your coffee and everything… mmm… maybe I’ll have a pastry too.” Dev gets the attention of a waiter, making a “me too” motion toward Balaran’s goodies. He doesn’t try to hide the fact that he wants to ask Balaran something in particular as he peeks at the artist’s sketches. “What are you working on?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia had been eyeing the honey pastries since they had arrived. She'd been too focused on talking to Balaran at first, but now seated listening to Dev, she quietly orders a pastry for herself as well. She's willing otherwise to sit back for now and let Dev talk.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Satina Cindermark, Fighter || Meira Dheran, Rogue
( Sorry for the incommunicado. Laptop died. I'm on my old one now but its a bit tempermental. Thanks for your patience.)