City of Cresthall

Gasp sighs and says in a more gruff, Dwarvish voice "The Shield is ten-thousand gold" And then he makes the sound of a plate clattering to the flour. 

You really wanted that shield, eh?  says Hatt.  I was interested myself, I'll admit, it was a very impressive item.  I'm sorry it was so pricy, Gasp.  Then another thought occurs to him:  Although, I mean, we could all chip in and get it for you - like one and a half thousand gold each?  It's for the benefit of the whole party, after all.  He looks around to see the reaction of the others to spending such a huge sum of money.

On the subject of the party pooling funds, I'd also like to propose a small party fund to purchase diamonds.  Not for decorative purposes, I hasten to add, he looks over to Crispy with a grin, though I'm sure I would look just fabulous in a tiara.  I mean, there's a certain kind of magic that the Goddess has taught me during our voyage.  If one of us falls in battle - I mean actually dead, not just unconscious - then with the Goddess' aid I can revive (Revivify) them, if I can get to them quickly.  And if I have enough diamonds.  They're consumed in casting the magic, though.  A hundred gold from each of us would allow me to do this twice.  What do you think?

Ashley does some fast math. That would be about 1000 platinum wouldn't it? I can help a little with that. Ashley pulls out a pile if 250 platinum coins as discreetly as she can and hands them to Gasp. That should get you a little closer.

I didnt realize we needed diamonds for that spell. I've been neglecting my prayers a bit. I think Hatt has a good idea. A general party fund for various group needs wouldn't be a bad thing to have.  Ashley orders another cup of tea.

Gasp's beak hangs open for a moment as palms him a stack of platinum. He happily, but hesitantly accepts it. The glum bird perks up and gives several subtle trills He digs through a pouch for a moment before producing a smooth, polished pebble. It has a green hue and is vaguely swirled like a snail's shell. He hands it to Ashley.

Wow, it's so pretty.  You sure you want me to have it? Ashley asks, slightly hesitant to accept the exchange. She liked Gasp. He was her favorite bird person. 

(ah damn, Ash beat me to it =P)

As Ashley hands Gasp the money, and while Hatt is talking, Crispy reaches into her pack does the same, happily. Bird Person was a good bird. Not judgmental or self righteous like other people she knew. While Crispy was riddled with issues and her own problems, money was never one of them, and Bird Peeps had done her no wrong. Her heart swelled with pride as Ashley was, as always, unselfish and giving.

"I don't want anything in return, Gasp." she smiled, "I hope this helps. I give it to you, gladly. I don't need the money. I already have everything I could ever want." The last part she looked at Ashley, lovingly, and then looked at the pebble Gasp had given her. "It is pretty!"

She then hands 100 gold to Hatt, saying, "If you also have the power to raise the dead, I would be happy to pay for such a service as well. Seeing how..uh, reckless I can be. And delicious to dragonturtles."

These are the things that made her feel good. She ordered another drink and leaned back, satisfied.

He accepts the money, not sure what to make of all this generosity. Certainly, it was not something Gasp had a lot of experience with. What's more, Crispy didn't want anything in return. All he could do was sit back in his seat and just process it all. Maybe, perhaps, he was happy? He shakes his head and his feathers get all poofy, and the next thing anyone knows is there is just a black streak of feathers blasting out of the tavern! He's getting that shield!

Crispy head follows Gasp as he literally flaps out of the tavern - with the rogue lifting her glass in spirit.

Bennett nods at Hatt and smiles, "If it means keeping everyone here alive, I'll gladly put money in. Here is a hundred gold." He will discreetly hand Hatt 100 gold.

Bennett will laugh at Gasp and chase after him, and once he catches up to him, and in a discreet area will hand him 250 platinum as well, "Thank you for being a beacon of light in a dark world, my friend."

(Gasp quickly becomes the richest bird in the tavern.)

Ok so now what? If Crispy and Ashley decide to not help the boys, leave, and live happily ever after in a life of odd jobs, giggling, and vigorous sex, does the game end? Or are we helping Bennett with his curiosity and the game continues? 

 We're not letting him run alone through the city streets carrying that much money, are we?  He could be robbed and murdered, or arrested for theft, or Goddess knows what.  Come on; and Hatt rushes out of the inn just behind Bennett, in pursuit of their impulsive kenku friend.

Ashley thinks for a minute as Bennett runs to give gasp some cash. Hmmm, Crispy, I think we should help. Not for Ominak, but for Bennett and the person in trouble. I wouldn't feel right if we just ignored a plea for help simply because someone secretive dis something secretive. She looks to Cora and tries to give a little sad pouting puppy dog look. 

Oh shit.

She's giving me the puppy dog eyes. She knows I love that look. Look away. Look aw- I told you to lo- I'm looking. Ok! She's got me. I'm ****ed. Hells, I AM an idiot. I fall for that crap EVERY time. Gods, I make myself sick. It's her eyes, Her lips. How her fingers feel on my skin, and that way she traces my curves. She knows that look gets you, too, she's not dumb like YOU are.

"Ok, baby. Let's go." Cora said. 

Stupid heart!

Shut up, Brain!

When Bennett returns to the table Ashley says with confidence We're in. Whats the mission?

Karra waits and listens in to what the party wants to do. Regardless, he has guild duties he needs to attend to so if the group wish to dally in town for longer their window of opportunity will close.

All Gasp can manage give in return is a loud SQUAWK! He gives a nod to Bennett before rocketing into the air so he can find that shop again. He's gonna get that shield, damn it!

Crispy quickly looks at Ash, makes a nodding motion to her, they both follow Gasp and the others.

The sun starts to near its peak as Gasp arrives at the smithy once more, "Welcome to Belorost's smithy, how can I help you?" says the dark elf girl. The dwarf is sharpening an axehead, giving a nod to the group. The shield from before is hung upon the wall. 

Seeing Crispy leave the inn, Hatt continues to jog towards the smithy in pursuit of the little black shape in the sky that is Gasp, hoping that the others will follow.  We really need to get a bit better at organising ourselves; he thinks.  The new armour feels a little heavier than his old set, but he's happy at the experience of running and not making so much noise that it attracts everyone's attention.