Quote from PyromaniIsDeadThankGod >>

Entering the weapons shop, I speak to a merchant before Shugo could do so just so we can get this out of the way; Also I wanted to correct my wrongdoings towards him earlier. "Pardon me, but do you have a longbow for our friend here? I heard he's in need of one right now. And uh... do you happen to have any enchanted swords... or are able to enchant weapons?" I'm not expecting her to have what we're looking for, but it's still a start. What else? Um... Oh that's right. Food; Okaa-san needs them I can tell. "Also, is there somewhere we can perhaps, um... obtain some rations? We don't intend to stay here for long, so we need to stock up on food."

The cat, who is still on Shugo's shoulders, takes a sniff at his backpack and then looks back at Renar. "Those pickles and dried meats will be perfect for a long journey, 3 silver pieces each, feel free to take a look! You can also grab those longbows over there—that will be 55 gold pieces." It's too expensive, none of you have enough gold to buy it.

"But..." The cat raises her paw, "I know someone with a 90% discount coupon, he might be able to give you one if you go ask him, just tell him Astra said hi. He's at the mansion, right by Paulis' tower." She winks and jumps back on an empty shelf.

"By the way, I smell a dragon egg inside your backpack. Congratulations on being a father!" She covers her mouth with her paws, giggling, "Just kidding, but that person I mentioned earlier has taken care of several dragons before. He might be able to help with your situation." 

If someone asks who that is, she replies—"His name is Janus, he's a bit... 'different' from other people, but he's very kind and knowledgable. He was my mentor too, taught me how to cast spells after I accidentally polymorphed into this form." 

Quote from Rynn_Elocin >>

 

He looks around the store, he hadn't thought about enchanted weapons but that was a good question. Though he doubts a small town like this would have someone who could do that. He wouldn't be surprised if these people don't even have a longbow with the state the place is in. "If you don't mind my asking, do you happen to know if anyone has gone to talk with Paulis recently?" He asks after Renar has finished speaking.

 "So, you're looking for artefact, hmm?" She tilts her head. "Janus did say to me that he'd seen the artefact before, Paulis only claims that he knows where it is. I think it's pretty clear to me who's the better option here..."

"But back to your question—yes, ten or so people visited Paulis yesterday, all of them are from different groups. And guess what? All of them got promptly blasted by his apprentice" Astra giggles. The People's Army did mention Paulis' apprentice before, she's Karina, the daughter of their previous leader. "If you really insist on meeting him, you might have to fight his apprentice first, but if you go for Janus instead, you don't have to do anything—what do you think?"

Renar

I jump back a little when something lands on Shugo's shoulder. What the- A Neko (猫, literally means Cat)? Is that who runs the shop...? I squint. Then again, she mentioned the bow that Shugo wants is way overpriced; It would probably take the three of our funds to own it, Me, Shugo and Okaa-san's. I'm not a good bargainer like Tenebris or Xenia so I'll have to keep my mouth shut. No enchantments but with that price of the elf's bow, I don't think I'd bother to question her further. Speaking of which, other than rations, is there something that Okaa-san would like? I tap lightly on her shoulder, catching a whiff of the last traces of her sakura-infused perfume before whispering into her ear: "Nani ka te ni iretai mono wa arimasu ka? (何か手に入れたいものはありますか？, Is there anything you'd like to get?)"

Janus... I'll note that down in my tiny notebook while we're at it. Wait... so he taught her how to polymorph? Right... Does she even want to transform back to whatever she previously was? And he's at the foot of Paulis' base? Noted... As for the artefact well... so neither Paulis and Janus know where it is. They claim that they might know its whereabouts, but that doesn't tell me it's genuine. To me it sounds like they don't fully know where it is. That's not a good sign. If they're making assumptions like I am right now then locating it would be more perilous than I think it will be. I give a doubtful look to Shugo as I absorb this info as best as I can, minus the price of his bow. Huh? Karina (カリーナ)? That's a name I haven't heard of. Either that or I wasn't there when she got mentioned. So Paulis isn't the one doing the blasting but her...? Wait... My hidden fox ears twitch in confusion. "Hang on a second. I thought Paulis never liked visitors and was alone? Wasn't he the one blowing every visitor in his wake and not someone else? Or have I missed something again?" I turn to Shugo again confused. I swear whoever told me the wrong info about the one casting those traps to get in his way should go and stick their face in wasabi. Oh well. Time to note another piece of info into my tiny notebook again... Wait... My eyes then dart back to the neko. I said something wrong didn't I? I better correct her fast...

"Actually you know what?" I call out to the strange Neko as I raise a hand and quickly change the subject. "Don't answer that. I'll take 15 dried meat packs for the journey. Shugo. You have anything else you need to get?" I say as I hand her 5 gold pieces. I've got about 5 rations left, most of which are meat based (plus I hate pickles), so that would bring it up to about 20 again; With my calculations I'd say this is probably the best value for my money I could get for now. "This lady here, well..." I gesture to Okaa-san for her money, making a hand sign that tells her 3 Silver for each. "She can't speak for now but I know she wants 20 of the same thing I bought."

"Thanks again. But... we can't really stay to chit chat. We need to move asap." I say as I turn to Shugo and Okaa-san. I know the latter doesn't intend to stay for long but if the former's still doing something, I'll hang around for a bit with the two. If he's ready, we'll proceed to exit the shop, but not before I give a polite bow to the owner as thanks. "We'll meet again soon."

((Apologies as I just noticed you edited your previous post.))

Shugo had been slightly confused when the feline jumped onto his shoulders. Before it spoke up, he'd been wondering where the shopkeeper was. Normally he'd have a bigger reaction to a talking cat, but with the previous conversation most of his energy has been spent.

When Astra says how much the bow is, his eyes bulge. 55 gold?! There's no way he can pay for that. He can't even buy half of that! He perks up a little, craning his neck to look at the cat when she mentions the possibility of a 90% discount. Then she mentions the dragon egg, "Eheh, yeah." He chuckles awkwardly, "It's a dragon egg alright. So this Janus person can take care of it AND give us a discount? Heh, well I'm definitely stopping there." He grins. If he can get this egg somewhere safe, he won't have to worry about it anymore. And this Janus person helped this woman out after she accidentally turned herself into a cat? Now she can cast spells in cat form? Well that's impressive. Though it must have been rough getting used to being a cat....

When she answers his question, he responds, "Well, yes. Sort of. We also just need to warn him about something. But if Janus lives right next door to him then that's perfect! We can see him first!" He gives Renar a glance. He'd thought this Karina person had gone missing, but maybe his memory is jumbled. He also has similar thoughts to Renar about folks saying Paulis was the one blasting people away. But then again, those people likely had second or even third hand information on Paulis, so the real story could have been lost in transit. Speaking to everyone present, he continues, "Like I said, we just want to warn Paulis of something. So maybe we can at least get him the message through his apprentice even if we can't talk with him. Heh, it sounds like we don't need to talk with him about the artifact anyway since Janus probably has more information."

Weighing his coin purse, he debates on what he should buy. He doesn't have much money left all things considered, but he also doesn't intend to starve....though he really prefers tavern food to rations.... he sighs mentally. "I'll take ten rations." He says after a few moments. Regretfully, he pulls out 3gp and sets it on the counter. He's going to regret this even more if that 90% off thing is for the entire purchase rather than a single item, but there's no guarantee they will be able to get that discount anyway. Then he smiles at the feline shopkeeper, allowing her to jump off his shoulder, "It was a pleasure meeting you. Hopefully I'll see you again after I get my hands on that coupon." Then he nods to Renar and exits the store with the two shifters.

Back to the guard's post.

Both the Tabaxi and the half-elf are taken aback by Alex's lengthy explanation... well, the half-elf doesn't seem to be that enthusiastic. He looks quite sleepy, but he did stay awake during all of that explanation.

After that is done, Leevi turns to the half-elf. "I think these kids are right. Our crew only fights in self-defence or if someone wants to spar, and your soldiers attack us first, so we retaliate—that bilge-sucker just attacks anyone and anything he comes across!" He clasps his paws and blinks 'cutely.' "So... can ya let me go now? Please? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

Persuasion check passed

The half-elf opens the table drawer, pulls out a key, and throws it on the ground. "I need a coffee..."

Leevi's ears and tail raise in excitement, he picks up the key, unlocks the cells, and begins dancing with joy once he's outside—he taps his heels while walking and swinging his arms back and forth. "Yeah, baby! Woohoo! Heck yeah! Hahaha!"

The entire room awkwardly watches him celebrate to himself... yeah, he might be a bit crazy, but all of us have some sort of craziness inside, it's what makes you Lancean, after all.

The soldier sighs again, he drags unconscious Cezars off the ground and unceremoniously throws him into the cell, and the impact wakes him up. "What the... where am I? Who are you?" The fire Genasi demands.

"I'm Adolfs, and you are now under arrest for treason and threats to murder. See you in Madura." The half-elf crosses his arms and walks away.

"What!? No, no, no! You can't be doing this!" Then he turns towards the party. "You're making a big mistake, Adelaide will hear about this! All of you will pay!"

"Yeah, right..." Leevi smirks, he walks towards the party and gives Liivi a hearty slap on her back. "Thank you for freeing me, lads and ladies! Now, it's time for celebration! Rums! Food! Uhh... more rums! Let's head to the tavern!"

Well, looks like you'll have a free room and free food for today thanks to Leevi. Any last words to Cezars?

Entering the shop, Maya, after expending almost all of her mental energy to quell the bickering between the two, stood behind them dazed and fuzzy. Her head began scanning things that are of no importance to her in no reasonable fashion. That is until she yelps when Renar suddenly whispers into her ear, as king her if there is anything that suits her fancy. "ULP! Uh... N-n-no! N-n-n-n-nanimonaiyo! S-s-s-sorehandesuka?! (何もないよ! それは何ですか?!, Nothing! W-w-what is it?!)" She panics with a hushed fox-like whimper. She nervously glances to him when he gestures for something... Eh? Her son is buying food? How many again? 3 Silver... 20 of each? That was all she could pick up. She doesn't even notice her son and Shugo talking to the shopkeeper about Paulis about the Janus and Karina they're looking for.

Frantically, Maya checks her empty purse since her current disguise doesn't appear to have any pockets for money; She pulls out 6 gold pieces after doing some mental math in her head; Not her forte for sure but she hopes she got it right. Which she does; She sighs in relief, seeing that her son didn't gesture her to give more or give her some money back in return, before giving a majestic courtesy to the... neko? Wait... "Hmm? Neko?" Maya coos. Fitting her slow attention to detail, she had only noticed the shopkeeper's current appearance before she was unceremoniously dragged out of the shop with a pained yelp. Geez... Did Renar had to be that rough?! She pouts as him. Well, it seems that from their chit chat they're about to head to their meeting spot? Ok then. With that, Maya swiftly catches up to the two before she tugs on Renar's sleeves... and punches his shoulder incredibly hard for his treatment of his mother in the shop; If she aimed for his face he would've definitely retaliated harder than her current strength.

Liivi is a bit surprised when she sees the guard just toss the key on the ground for Leevi. When the pirate slaps her on the back, she turns to face him, though there doesn't seem to be any malice in her expression. "We didn't really help you, and we were headed to the tavern anyhow."  She isn't too sure whether it's wise to celebrate with this tabaxi that was just moments ago a prisoner.  

Her attention is then drawn to Cezars and the ruckus he's creating. 'I should find out more about this Adelaide at some point,' she thinks. 'Not right this moment though.'  She hasn't really had any dealings with them and doesn't really have much reaction to his complaints. She does wonder though if he is really going to be secure here and truly make it to trial.  But this seems to be what the others in this group had intended - turn him over to the guard. It seemed their mission had been accomplished.  

"Well, shall we go and meet up with the others?" she asks the other party members. She then gives an appraising look to the tabaxi pirate. "I suppose you can show us the way to the tavern? Quite fortunate for us to have you for a guide I guess!" 

Mira

Mira couldn't help but cackle at how desperate Cezars sounds. Hearing him spitting bars of his own is enough to proc Mira to do the same thing back except tenfold "Pfft. Talk all the nonsense you want. I'd consider carrying a plant to your trial in Madura to replace all the oxygen you have combusted in your fiery lungs." (If you allow it: DC 13 WIS Or drop back unconscious with humiliation) Mira scoffs at Cezars before her scowl quickly reverts to a warm and friendly smile. If Adelaide wants to waste cash just to get what she wants, then so be it. She'd better know that she won't be able to have it her way for long. "We better get going. Though I'm not sure if should trust this guy other than to let him lead us to the tavern...?" She notices Leevi suddenly escaping free with a whoop. Wow he must really hate being caged up in there for quite some time; She can even hear the massive ounce of victory in his voice. She then notices him slapping the other Liivi in the back like she's his pal. Geez. He's just as weird as the oddball pair, if not slightly less.

"Speaking of which, I wonder what those three are up to? I hope they not stalling for time..." She whips her head around, only to find Shygo and the oddball pair walking off on their own. they must be lost, seeing that they have no idea on where the actual meetup place is. "HEY!" She calls out to them. "We're heading the tavern now with that big furry fella! Are you three done or not?"

 Renar

Outside the shop, the sound of the bustling noise is enough to stir me back into the zone of discomfort and uncertainty. I've never been a fan of crowded locations, let alone one where I have to be in close proximity of people I hardly know. I do my best to navigate through the densely populated space with Shugo in front of me... only to feel a painful sting in my right arm as- Wait why did Okaa-san punch me?! What did I do?! "OW! What was that for?! First you scare me to death, and now you threaten to leave me disabled?! What did I do this time?!" I scowl at her with absolute anger. I then notice her rubbing her arm in pain and shrink back a little. "Uh... s-sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you..." I squirm slightly. I really didn't mean to hurt my mother if whatever I just did angered her. At least, that didn't distract me from hearing a loudmouth voice. I instantly whip my head towards the source... only to realise it's the bunny girl calling out. 

"Seems like they're done..." I mutter to Shugo and Okaa-san. We may as well trail behind them in silence... except I noticed that Stupid Rixi has vanished and is replaced by the... hang on a minute. My eyes widen a little in suspicion. "Wait... wasn't he... that big, burly pirate... wasn't he imprisoned? Or did they do a prisoner swap?"

Alex stares blankly in shock for a moment... he really hadn't expected that to work, much less Adolfs to just let Leevi go. Well... it works... Still, as Cezars wakes up and starts shouting threats, and Adolfs makes a comment about needing coffee, Alex hopes that this isn't a mistake after all. He really can't tell if Adolfs actually was swayed by their words, or if he just didn't want to get into an argument. Plus, looking at the state of this place... what if Cezars has a spell that is powerful enough he can break out? What if he just decides to set the place on fire?

"Thanks," he says genuinely to the half-elf. "Really, this will make our lives easier. But... make sure you keep a close eye on Cezars. He's tried to escape a few times already, and I would hate for him to hurt anyone trying to do so here, you included." He hopes this comes across as a genuine warning, because that's what it is. The last thing they need is for Cezars to take advantage of the fact Adolfs seems a little out of it plus the run down state this place is in. But well, they got what they wanted, so its a little late to put the cat back in the bag... 

"Threats are meaningless," he says to Cezars. "I thought you held the law over everything? I guess this just goes to show how you broke your oath, hypocrite." He doesn't feel the need to elaborate on that accusation, or speak to the Oathbreaker any further. Nothing he says to the genasi is going to make a difference, so why bother. His fate is in God's hands, and it's up to him to change... while he still has the chance. 

On that thought, before they all make their way out, Alex says a short prayer asking for protection for Adolfs and assurance that Cezars will stay put until they come to get him. One can never be too careful after all. 

Once he's done, he follows Leevi, Liivi, and Mira as they head to the tavern. ...this Leevi character doesn't seem all that bad. Not that he condones stealing. Stealing of any kind is wrong, no matter the circumstances. But, just like with the People's army, he knows that Leevi is fighting for a cause--and that that cause is not entirely wrong. Really, any hesitance he had when they first met the People's army is starting to dissipate. He doesn't like their disregard for authority, but when the people they are supposed to be following are people like Elmars... well he's starting to see why they would choose to rebel. 

"Uh..." Alex says when Renar asks about Leevi. "Well, yeah he was in prison, but the cell was only big enough for one occupant. I guess we just freed him..." He gives Leevi a look, suddenly wondering if it was the smartest thing to be hanging around him. "He... is with the People's Navy, which is associated with the People's Army. You know... like... (cough)." He hopes the rest of them get the point, as he doesn't want to talk about their inadvertent connection to the latter organization while in public. They haven't picked sides yet, and he'd like to keep it that way for as long as possible. "Anyways, we are going to the tavern now. Are you three ready or do you need more time?" 

Before Maya, Renar, and Shugo leave the shop, they can see the cat shopkeeper placing a paw on her ear and muttering something. She looks at Maya for a short moment, then turns around and disappears deep into the shop. She's definitely talking to Janus about something, most likely about why Maya can't speak Lancean like everyone else.

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf >>

"Thanks," he says genuinely to the half-elf. "Really, this will make our lives easier. But... make sure you keep a close eye on Cezars. He's tried to escape a few times already, and I would hate for him to hurt anyone trying to do so here, you included." He hopes this comes across as a genuine warning, because that's what it is. The last thing they need is for Cezars to take advantage of the fact Adolfs seems a little out of it plus the run down state this place is in. But well, they got what they wanted, so its a little late to put the cat back in the bag... 

 

Adolfs yawns in response to that request. "I'll try my best... I can defend myself, don't worry about it." He waves to the group, "Stay safe out there, folks. And watch out for savages, if what you said is true." He points to Alex and then closes the door.

"See ya, kiddo!" Leevi waves back, "Let's worry about savages another day, for now, we must feast!" It's still very cloudy and you can't see the sun in the sky, but it's probably 12:00 midday right now and you haven't eaten breakfast. Indeed, you could use something to eat right now.

The walk to the tavern isn't long, and once inside, it's much more nicely decorated than the previous one where you bump into Birute for the first time. This one is also a two-storey, with rooms and baths on the first floor and everything else on the ground floor.

And Leevi wasn't kidding about a feast. He ordered every item on the menu and paid for all of them, soon enough, the servers began bringing you food one by one—sturgeon caviar on bliny, fresh oysters (Keep in mind that back then, caviars and oysters were considered to be snacks commonly served in a tavern like this), roasted vegetables, vegetarian frikadeļu zupa for Mira, and the highlight of all—grilled northern pike, a fish that's about as long as a grown man.

There is no way you could finish all of this, and that's what Leevi planned. He gives the food to other people in the tavern too, but he focuses mainly on those who look poor or malnourished. Everyone is celebrating, Leevi is downing his second bottle of rum, and for a moment, you no longer have to worry about Cezars or the invaders from other realms. You're here, and you're enjoying this moment.

"Yeah we're done for now." Shugo replies to Mira and Alex, "But we might go back since apparently I might be able to get 90% off a bow if we visit Paulis' neighbor. Plus he can take care of this." He uses his thumb to point at his pack. Though after seeing the cat apparently talking to Janus, he's not sure if they will be walking into a trap or not. Either way, he still thinks they should pay him a visit.

"Eh? A pirate?" He looks over when Renar points him out and Alex explains, "Huh, alright then." Leaning close to Alex he whispers, "I'll let you decide if you want to tell him about the rat in the people's army." Then he stands strait again, "Well! Off to the tavern!"

Once they get there, he is very, very please to see that Leevi....(a weird coincidence that he has the same name as Liivi, one he only thinks about after he's told the pirate's name)...has decided to pay for everyone's food! FANTASTIC! He's sure he's going to get along with that guy. Free food is the best way to get on Shugo's good side. The elf helps himself to everything that is offered to him. This is the best meal he's had in months, and he's not going to let any of it go to waste.

Upon seeing Leevi feeding literally everyone, he's even more sure he'd rather be on the side of the people's army than Elmars.

Getting all this free food has brought the elf back to his usual self as he nearly forgets the earlier interaction with Renar. He even tries some of that rum stuff the pirate is drinking...Though he does eye the shifter every once in a while, just to see what he's up to. He wonders what he thinks about the cat talking to Janus before they left...

Taking one last look at the shop, Maya obtains this super uneasy feeling when she notices the neko eyeing her suspiciously. Shivering, she whispers into Renar's hidden fox ears without even Shugo hearing her: "Musuko, kanojo wa watashi no koto o kiratte iru yōdesu... Watashi ga nani o shita nodeshou?! (息子、彼女は私のことを嫌っているようです...私が何をしたのでしょう, My son, I think she hates me. What did I do?!)" Even as her son and Shugo both clarify that they're ready to regroup and head off to eat their first meal in hours, not even the growl of her stomach was enough to elude this uneasy sensation off her. She turns to the two of them that accompanied her as she trails behind in last place, wondering if they had noticed the same thing.

Inside the tavern, Maya, being one of the least social group members, wanders off to grab her brunch; She has never eaten these kind of things before, and every so often she'd come back to her knowledgeable son to ask him if these foods taste delicious. After getting a couple of blunt and uncertain responses from him, however, Maya decides to settle on everything that this tavern has to offer. She clasps her hands to herself, muttering "Itadakimasu (いただきます)" before taking a bite out of everything she had gathered on her plate. Unsurprisingly, she gags on the veggies and the caviar, her least favourite dishes. Her expression remains indifferent to the oysters, even though she doesn't really react much other than a sigh. However, after taking a bite of the massive piece of fish and cleanly licking the bones out with her tongue, Maya decided that this was unanimously her favourite part of the meal; This is her first time that her son has seen this but, the next thing he sees after she gets up and returns is a mountain of that northern pike... probably far too much to finish for herself as she finishes only about three quarters of what she took.

Once finished, Maya sets her plate aside and looks over the rest of the group members as they chat amongst themselves. If anyone minus Renar tries to start a conversation with the ancient fox woman, Maya's highly unlikely to respond as she sits in the background and listens closely as best as she can; That suspicious stare down with the "Shop-cat" hasn't left her thoughts, and it's already stirring her most unpleasant visions to no end.

Liivi follows the group from the guard station having left Cezars there.  Given the condition of the place and the attitude of the guard, she's not sure how much confidence she has in that being secure enough to hold him.  'And look how easily he let Leevi go!' she thinks. 'What happens if he thinks the next prisoner is better to keep than Cezars?'  It's hard for her to really know, since she's still not completely clear on what that fire genasi was really up to. 

As they walk along, Liivi continues to wonder about this tabaxi pirate.  He is certainly an interesting figure, and he does not come across as particularly dangerous.  Though the lessons from the ancestors teach that things are not always as they seem.  With this one that seems to cut both ways.  Perhaps he is far more generous and good-hearted than his gruff appearance might suggest. On the other hand, his charming demeanor and flamboyant nature could disguise a more cold-blooded nature. He certainly could not have endured for long as a pirate without roughing up a few folks. 

Lost in thought, she is thus a bit surprised as Renar suddenly addresses them.  She looks up to see that everyone is now reunited. And they have reached the tavern.  At the merest hint of the smell of food, she realizes how hungry she is, so she eagerly follows Leevi and the group inside.  As the pirate buys such a lavish amount of food - paying for it all himself - she can't help but indulge.  She tries all of it, from caviar and oysters to vegetables and pike, eating her fill.  She is happy to share in a small taste of the rum as well, taking care though not to overdo it.  Staying quiet for a good bit of it, she is curious to hear the various mentions of People's Army and People's Navy. For now, she leaves her questions about that topic unspoken. 

When Shugo talks about a 'discount' and visiting Paulis' neighbor, she is finally stirred to speak.  Tilting her head slightly she says, "I apologize for my ignorance, but I'm curious to know more about this Pauils that we were to meet. Who is he? And how did you come to know about him?  And what do you know of this neighbor of his?"

Renar

Stepping out of the shop, I suddenly pick up an uneasy feeling as Okaa-san whispers into my hidden ears, telling me that the neko apparently seems to hate her. I response, I dart back towards the shop to see her eyeing my mother with a distrustful look. Is it because Okaa-san didn't speak Lancean? She was whispering in my ear when she got shocked. How did she manage to pick it up? Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath before giving a pat of reassurance to her and then walk up to the third person of the bunch.

"Remind me to ask that bozo about what that shopkeeper told him. I have a feeling that she said something that might threaten Maya-san's life." I whisper to Shugo, seeing that he also caught whiff of that neko eyeing Okaa-san. My head swirls again as I stare to the floor, wondering what would happen to Okaa-san if Janus were to threaten her just because of this language barrier. This world's lack of cultural diversity is worse than I thought... And speaking of thoughts, Alex apparently brought me back to reality as I respond with a startled gasp. I sheepishly look away from him after making eye contact for about 3 seconds, before I redirected my golden eyes back to him. "Get... g-get inside first. Then we'll spill the beans." I stutter nervously with a low voice, not wanting to attract any attention as all of us move inside to grab our long lost meal.

Inside the tavern, the first thing my nose picks up is the smell of freshly baked seafood, followed by the scent of some veggies. I was noticeably attracted to the former more than the latter, hence why I took four servings of the fish on the spot. Okaa-san seems to be asking me if the food is delicious, but all I replied was a scoff. I hope she understood what I meant even as Okaa-san picks up one serving of every single food there is. Well, I mean, I could've... I put a hand over my puffed cheeks; I would've actually laughed at her reacting to how awful the veggies tasted, seeing that her kawaii face had turned pale when the flavour infiltrated her taste buds... Well... Maybe she had the last laugh in a way, especially after I gawked when I saw her take a pile of that delicious fish that almost resembles a small replica of Mt Fuji. That's so rare. I've never seen her eat so much, even as she tells me I can finish what she didn't eat (nevermind that it'd be considered an indirect kiss much to my irritation). As for drinks, both of us avoided the rum and order water instead; Neither of us would dare to make that mistake to get drunk and reveal our kitsune traits in an instant; Besides we're both alcohol intolerant too. In fact, everyone seems to be enjoy themselves right now. Even that burly pirate, even though I clearly don't like his guts as much as his personality seems to be.

Whilst the others engage in a conversation of the present moment, I lean back and shift away from the others if they get to nosy. The People's bakas, though. I'd never thought there'd be a Navy as much as there'd be an Army, let alone find a traitor in their ranks as of now. "So what's next, the stupid People's Air Force?" I mutter to no one in particular as I scoff and look away if anyone minus Okaa-san makes eye contact with me. I also notice Shugo eyeing me every once in a while. He's probably wondering what I'm wondering about the neko. And how she sounds like she's intending on threatening Okaa-san's safety. "Like I said, remind me when we get there. Unless if you want to ask." I say to him almost inaudibly and without making eye contact. I assumed he didn't hear me though because of my soft volume, or maybe it's because of the loud sounds of the tavern that caused my speech to be drowned out. A bit of both, maybe.

I'm more than happy to just sit back and listen in, before I suddenly phase out and imagine the future threats that we might need to tear down, such as this Adelaide or the Golarions; I can't help thinking that Paulis and his followers would be against us though. I hope that's not what that neko is talking about. I really don't want to jeopardize the safety of everyone, let alone for myself and Okaa-san. This was not what we came here to do despite the stereotype of this messed up place.

 Mira

Immediately after Mira enters the tavern, her worries and fears have temporarily vanquished by the scent of veggies and fish. "Alright! Time to dig in!" She cheers, immediately grabbing seven serves of veggies on her plate before gnarling them down with her sharp teeth as soon as she sits at the table. Unlike other nobles of her kind, she's apparently a big eater despite her small size. When she does finishes though she takes a moment to clean her mouth and her dress of any food stains with a clean napkin hidden in her purse, before turning her current attention to the group's discussion about Paulis; Unfamiliar territory it seems, seeing that she's only been rescued by them.  

"Hmm, well, I haven't really, uh, been around for this entire trip. I'd really need someone to help me explain this situation for me, eheheh..." She nervously speaks, scratching her head with her feet like how a rabbit should. "Um... if anyone would like to explain the Paulis scenario for us ladies, that would be appreciated. Hoodie boy? You wanna have a-" She calls out to Renar, only to notice him turn away and mutter something. Air Force? What is he talking about? Is it some kind of new transportation? That sounded weird... "Welp. Scratch that. I was hoping he could soften up a little but no biggie. What about you two fine-built men?" She then turns to Shugo and Alex. "You two know the entire scenario, right? Can you give us ladies a bit of info, if you don't mind?"

She then turns to Liivi. "Well uh, as for the Navy vs Elmars issue um... my... my mother is um... she's in a political relationship with the latter. So if they succefully um... well, I mean I never bothered to keep track of what those two are up to in term of this diplomatic drama, but um, apparently the cooperation between that bird brain and her is what's stabilizing things for now, ehehe..." She squirms a little, thinking that this might not be an appropriate topic to bring up, especially if she thinks this group is one of the People's Army's allies. Sweat can be seen on her head as she attempts to divert Liivi and the other four's attention spans away from what she just said "A-a-actually scrap that. So... *AHEM* so basically, we need to head to Paulis for some reason I can't explain, then we have the trial of those four, and after that um... I don't where these four are going. They'll have to take the reigns for now, I think."

Inside though, she feels a bit gutted that the majority party only seems to be focusing on Paulis and the artefact in the long term; The one thing that seems to be glueing their bonds together. And nothing else, it seems. She wants to frown so badly, but that might ruin her current impressions. Then again... Liivi is part of the alliance in a way, right? Maybe it's time to reignite the spark as she turns to her... "Speaking of which, after they're done explaining, remember when you looked at... the..." Mira opens her mouth to reignite the rebellion spark... only to tremble again suddenly when Liivi makes eye contact with her... again. For no reason.

Alex waves back to Adolfs, feeling a little bit better about their decision. God willing, everything will be just fine.

As they spend their time feasting, Alex finds that he can’t help but like Leevi. In spite of not agreeing with everything the pirate and the rest of the people’s army and navy has done, seeing that the pirate intentionally over ordered to feed the needy is plenty to garner the paladin’s favor. Even though he isn’t really  sure where Leevi got the funds for paying for it. Had Adolf’s not confiscated the tabaxi’s money upon arrest? Or maybe Leevi started a tab. Either way, it seems the pirate has only good intentions, so Alex doesn’t put too much thought into it. 

He does however consider telling Leevi about the rat in the people’s army. He’s not sure when the best time to bring it up would be… or if the happy go lucky pirate would even really take him seriously. Or if he really had any business telling him about the supposed rat. For all he knows it could just be another changeling posing as an innocent person for Adelaid’s benefit. Regardless, he’ll bring it up towards the end of the feast. 

“Uh yeah,” he says as Mira and Liivi ask about Paulis. “Maybe let’s talk about it later though? Somewhere a bit more private?” 

Shugo nods to Renar when he mentions asking about what the shopkeeper said. He hates feeling like everything everyone does is a hostile move, but at this point one can never be to careful.

At the in when Liivi addresses him, he scratches his chin. "Well, Paulis is some old tortal guy who apparently has been alive since the last world war or something. We were told he knows a lot about artifacts and such, though he apparently doesn't like visitors. Initially we were just going to visit him to ask him some questions, but now..." He trails of as Alex mentions talking somewhere more private. "Eh...well I don't really think that's super necessary. Hmmm, let's just talk over here." He says motioning them to follow him to a less crowded space, away from the pirate cat.

"Mira knows this already, but you know that genasi guy you helped Alex get in prison? Well he's working with some really bad people, and they are pretty much threatening Paulis's life. We figured we are at least obligated to warning the guy. As for the neighbor. All I know is what the shopkeeper told me. I believe his name is Janus? Eh, we'll find out for sure eventually. Anyways, apparently Janus has actually seen the artifact, and he knows how to raise dragons...." He stops realizing Liivi probably doesn't know he has an egg in his pack. "Oh yeah, Cezars kidnapped a dragon egg and now I have it. We don't know how to get it back to it's mother, so if we find someone to take care of it then great. Though the shopkeeper was being a bit suspicious when we left. So I'm a little concerned that we may be walking into something by visiting him. Regardless, I still want to know what's with that guy. Do I really believe he's seen the artifact and for some reason didn't keep it for himself? Ehhhhhhh, I have my doubts. BUT! Visiting him may give us some good information." 

He doesn't bother to ask if anything he just said makes any sense, and instead continues. "Though we also found out that even though we'd been told Paulis likes to blast unwelcome guests out of his house, it may actually be his apprentice doing the blasting. Which brings up some other questions as we'd also been under the impression that this particular person had been missing. Soooo, there you have it. That's my brief summary on everything we know about Paulis and his neighbor."

With that, he moves to grab another plate with fish piled on it before returning to the table he'd brought the ladies over to.

Liivi nods to some of the others as they defer answering her questions about Paulis and the neighbor to Shugo. She understands it may be better to have one person tell the full story rather than try to have people just fill in bits and pieces.  But she does listen as Mira explains a bit about her mother's diplomatic relationship with Elmars. It is interesting to realize that in being a Duchess there might be such entanglements of obligations. Although she sympathizes, she can't help but think it would be simpler to just not side with such seemingly unscrupulous leaders. 

Shugo's discussion has her shifting her attention to him. 'This Janus has actually seen the artefact? That seems amazing! But very odd that this shopkeeper has just randomly told them about this person.'  She continues to listen about Paulis attacking visitors, or his apprentice doing it, and the concerns about the shopkeeper. When he mentions the egg though she blurts out, "You have a dragon egg? One Cezars had taken?" Though it really isn't all that important to her, it does seem quite unusual.  

She ponders his words while he goes to retrieve more fish.  She herself continues to eat from the plate before her.  Once he's back she tells him, and the others at the table, "It seems all these options have risks. I have to admit, it sounds intriguing to me to talk to someone who has seen the artefact.  We should perhaps though talk to both. We just have to be ready for some sort of deception." She sits back a bit, having eaten quite a bit.  She thinks she's probably had her fill.  

Mira

The rabbit girl squints a little at Alek's suggestion about moving to quiet place, but doesn't really say much after that. She takes a moment to stretch before she leans forward on the table, arms folded flat on the surface whilst her short, but slender upper body curves slightly so that her chin just hovers over her plate. She agrees with him for the time being, seeing that she's finished gobbling down the last of her meal. She hadn't really thought it through that they'd probably attract some unwanted strangers picking up on their current whereabouts, let alone their overall routes and goals. "Um... yeah. Sorry. Uh... we'll move somewhere quiet if you wish. Though uh... considering how crowded it is right now, I doubt we'd uh... we'd be able to find, um, somewhere quiet in here." She stutters, even though the group (minus the oddball pair it seems, seeing how they're so preoccupied with... something), moves in somewhere a little quieter. But having that kept in mind, it wouldn't hurt to actually keep up her guard once in a while would it? Unless if the oddball pair have in fact found some stalkers... (Perception: 12)

When Shugo speaks his mind, however, she mainly nodded along when he explains about Paulis. Hearing him change the subject however, she was stunned over the info she had to process; From this new Janus guy being a dragon raiser to the fact that she forgot that Shugo had been in possession of an egg and now- What?! The former had seen the artefact before?!  "Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah, hold up, rewind a little!" She exclaims, putting her paws in front of her soaked, regal gown. "So... hang on... you're telling me that... this Janus... he's seen the artefact? He's seen the end goal that you all minus us ladies have gotten so deep into investigating? I mean, you all have been together since the start, right? Me and this, um... Liivi, right? I didn't get your name beforehand...?" She trembles when attempting to mention Liivi by her race; She wasn't sure what to call her though. She resembles a leopard of some sort, but she can't really tell. Besides the last thing she needs to do is to unintentionally anger her. Though, speaking about that shopkeeper telling them about something, the tabaxi does have a point. "I mean... she's right. What if that person who told you this info is lying? What if that Janus is something else behind that facade? I mean, sure he might be a familiar of Paulis but it never hurts to be cautious..." Though, in her heart, it seemed that the topic of the rebellion had long bit the dust. There was this spark that Mira could see and keep alight, but now that everyone is focusing on what to do when they come face to face with Paulis after this meal, maybe now's not the best time to help the Tabaxi woman get into this idea. Not when she's also drawn into the perspective of joining those four into retrieving the prize for the better. Maybe next time, then.

"Anyways, seeing that um, seeing that everyone had no problems with the meal, um..." She takes a quick peek at the oddball pair, wondering what the heck they're staring into (or at least for Maya, wondering if she even appears to be awake). "...Other than Shugo, um, does anyone else have anything to say? About this matter?" 

Renar

Overhearing Shugo speak his mind about Paulis, the artefact and that worrisome neko shop owner, there wasn't much me and Okaa-san could add in at this point as our heads dip to the top deck of the table; What we both needed to relay, that elf noble had done so for us. This entire deception thing, well... I assume it's true. I'm gonna assume it is until I've been proven otherwise. Because with the way that neko started at Okaa-san, I have a gut feeling something will blow out against us when we set off.

Come to think about it, we've been caught up in these petty scuffles for so long... I almost forgot about the end goal too: What does each of them expect to see the artefact as? I slowly tilt my head up towards the others who have ushered into a quieter place. I can't believe I never bothered to find out what each of them views the artefact as and why they're trying to look for it. There has to be something driving them to search for it, right? Like me, they're finding the artefact because of something, right? Each of them must be picturing the object as something that might mean a lot to them. Other than to help turn the tide of the war against Tiamat, what else would they think of the artefact? Because, as I breathe a sigh to myself and stroke my torn jacket, whatever it is, it must be that important to holding this dysfunctional group together when clearly our polarizing goals and visions clash with each other. I go through a phase as I shut my eyes for a while; A phase where this group could've actually been more than reality right now. A rival group to the Wildland Shifters in terms of both prowess and personalities... warm, headstrong, relentless, understanding no matter who you are, able to understand each other's dark pasts... like a group of friends that could've came to be, but never did unlike in the Sword Coast. Some of these dreams imagine this group joining forces with them, be it temporarily or permanently, to fight that Golarion threat that could threaten both worlds...

Well, that's what I thought, because the next thing I realize is, I was forced to snap back to reality after hearing the whimpers of a quiet, but panicking female lady that sits adjacent to me. My eyes widen in suspicion as she tilts her head in all directions. "Huh?" I gasp as I notice Okaa-san squirming uncomfortably in her seat. Something must have riled her senses, it seems. Because I can't pull myself to detect it just yet amongst the ruckus. "Okaa-san? What's wrong?"

Maya doesn't join the other four to chat either, seeing that she's unable to speak their language anyways. Noticing her son deep in thought across the other side of the table, she reaches her hand out to stroke him... but stops short and instead stands up before going around to cradle him in her arms whilst they wait for the signal to move on. She can sense some tension in his shoulders just by glancing. He's nervous. So is she, in many ways. Minus aiming for the artefact, she wants nothing more than to return home safely and end the ongoing war in victory rather than defeat. After pausing for a moment, she too forgets everything that is happening in the real world; the noises and celebrations turning into nothing but a conglomeration of muffles as she forms a small smile on her face as she prepares to nuzzle his head... and suddenly remembers something that he spoke a while earlier...

Quote from PyromaniIsDeadThankGod >>

 "Okaa-san. Karera-me o hanasanaide kudasai (彼ら目を離さないでください, Keep an eye on them.)"

Relieving the words of her son from before was enough to suddenly startle her as she lets off a gasp and alerts him. Whilst it doesn't seem like it, she gets this sense that someone or something is watching over them unknowingly; An uneasy hunch of her own that usually becomes right in the end. Panicking, she whips her head around in all directions whilst making some quiet whimpers as she attempts to snuff out the worst she had suspected. (Perception: 7)

"Yeah... I guess you're right," Alex says to Shugo. Then he listens quietly as the elf explains the Paulis situation. Once Shugo is finished he adds, "Paulis also is a neutral party in all this... so I hoped to talk to him about the People's army as well as Elmars, just to try and get an unbiased opinion on everything that's been going on..." Whether or not that is super necessary now is questionable, but he still feels like he might bring it up whenever they get to speak with the ancient tortle. Perhaps they could even ask him about some of the things they found while in the ruins of the USL's research facility. 

"I'm curious about this Janus too... how can anyone have already seen this artifact? I... thought it hadn't been found yet. Why else would adventurers need to go searching for it?" How did he miss such a big part of this whole thing? He was under the impression that they were going to go dungeon delving to find out what this artifact is, and that the artifact itself might not be more than rumors. Yet now he's learning that someone has already seen it? "Why do you think that going to Janus might be a trap?"

Mira and Maya don't see anyone suspicious around here, not if there is any in the first place.

Leevi finishes his third bottle of rum. After you've finished your conversation, he walks over to you and leans on the wall. "So... It's been a fun while, lads, but looks like it's time for me to go. I have to catch up with the Army in Madura soon." He looks left and right, and then he whispers. "By the way, I hope ye are there by the 16th of April, we're about to crash Elmars' wedding and give him a little taste of revolution."

Leevi heads toward the door, and with his back turned to you, he gives a two-finger salute. "And remember: that legendary place, that the end of the map reveals... Is only legendary 'til someone proves it real."

Maybe you should head out too, time to visit the sages.

The moment you step outside, it begins raining again, this time a drizzle and not a full torrent. You walk for another half an hour, exiting the town boundaries and into nature once again. Paulis' tower looms closer as you approach his lair.

You eventually come across a fork in the road, to the left is the base of Paulis' tower. It's well maintained, with grey bricks and a red roof. You don't think much about it, but on a closer inspection, you see a red line painted on the ground about 300 ft away from the base of the tower, alongside it is a sign that says:

Mines have been deployed behind the red line.

Under Section 19 of the Provisional Government of Lancea charter, -1C 10 CY, any trespassers on one's private property can be attacked under self-defence. The occupants of this property are not liable for any damages they may cause.

In other words, try not to step on a mine. From the looks of it, there must be at least fifty of them, and disarming just one could take hours.

You also see a white Dragonborn staring at you from the window of Paulis' tower, it's too far to make out the details, but that's definitely Paulis' apprentice.

On the right, you see a beautiful mansion with large gardens full of flowers and plants—there are marsh calla, Natal lily, false hellebore, pong-pong tree, Sosnowsky's hogweed, foxglove, mandrake (non-magical), and lily of the valley. All of them are extremely poisonous and they're the regional plants of Heryomen, Dhegom, Upper Sehul, Peninsular Prihyeh, Hewsos, Prihyeh, Sehul, and Perkwunos respectively. National and regional plants of Lancea share the same theme of being beautiful yet highly toxic at the same time, just like how Lanceans generally are—they are peaceful and kind, but if you commit a great sin, especially murder, they will stop at nothing to see you suffer for the rest of time, even after you've died.

The mansion itself is three storeys tall, with shiny marble walls and tall windows. There are bird baths and feed beside the door, and to the left of the garden is a fenced area which looks like a large animal used to live there. You can see the light of a fireplace from the windows, which means Janus is in there.

Now, who do you want to visit first? You can also return back to the town, but that might not be a wise choice.