Khessa approaches and solemnly places a hand on the dwarf's shoulder; there is admiration deep in her blue eyes, as she looks at him: "Many would have simply taken advantage of their luck, in finding applicants above their expectations... and would have stuck to the original terms of the contract. You, on the contrary, have spontaneously changed the conditions in our favor... You are a good person, Gundren. Thank you" she takes the quill, dips it into the inkwell, and signs with a confident movement. "We'll do whatever it takes to get your caravan to its destination".

As she steps back to allow the others to sign, the blonde warrior asks Gundren: "Are you just expecting ordinary threats? Like occasional bandits? Or do you have specific enemies who you think might be interested in the caravan - for its load, to harm you, or both?”

"I only ask" the tall adventuress specifies, with a reassuring smile "to be better prepared for what can happen".

Gundren puts his on the young woman’s hand. “Thank ye for your kind words. I have invested in people, not things. Tymora has alway been good to me when I have done so. We will leave on the morning. I am going to give you all an additional 10 right now to spend for what think you will need. I expect goblins amd bandits on the road. They have not been a problem as of late. Just to be clear the 10 gp a piece is for you to buy what you need not spend at the gambling tables or anything else like that. I will see you here at first light. “ he says to them. 

“My words did nothing" Khessa smiles at Gundren "but do justice to your actions”.

Once everyone has signed, the blonde warrior, after a brief reflection on how to use her share of 'adventuring shopping funds', asks Nariah and Stoirm if they wish to accompany her to advise her on the purchase of an arcane focus.

"You know," the tall adventuress explains, slightly embarrassed "I don't understand much about these things... Yet it really seems like I need that thing there, that... 'arcane focus'. I tried casting spells without it, but I haven't succeeded once yet... You two seem... to have magical nature? Or maybe magical affinity? Anyway, you seem quite more experienced than me in this field. Maybe you can advise me which arcane focus is best suited to me".

     Stoirm Gainimh is clumsy in weilding the quill but manages and signs their name meticulously despite their difficulty.  "I have not met these Lords but I am sure these conditions will be fine, yes?  Yes!  We are in agreement!"

     Seeing the gold Stoirm's eyes light up and little puffs of smoke emit from their nostrils in delight.  The pieces are counted carefully, and then again.  "Gold for me!  Yes!  Very good!  Very, very good..."  The coins are carefully put into a small pouch, seemingly filling it to capacity, and then that is carefully tied around Stoirm in such a way as it hangs on their left hip.  The little brown dragon flitters up into the air in excitement, the air filling with small dust particles that smell like pastry, and the dragon drifting a bit to the over-weighted side.  They land with a grump and scratch their head for a moment and then pulls out another pouch... from somewhere.  In a minute or two they are both tied around the little dragon like a kind of harness and the coins are more evenly distributed...

     "Gambling tables?" They ask out of nowhere, their head tilted to one side.  

     "Oh shopping?  Yes, of course!  We go shopping with you!" Stoirm replies to Khessa happily and excitedly.  "A wand, perhaps?  Or oh!  Maybe an orb or a crystal?  What do you like?  Perhaps some kind of amulet you can wear?  Yes, an amulet can do well...  Easy to grab even if in the middle of a fight, yes?  Let's see what they got!"

"What sort of spells are you casting? Different flavors of arcanist use different things as focuses, and some prefer the old ways of individual components in a pouch, it's more a matter of style than anything else. I rely on a staff, myself, as it allows me to support these old bones a little, and a sharp rap on the head from a length of wood fends off trouble." 

Nariah signs, of course, and will look to purchase 3 tents for their comfort while traveling, in addition to guiding Khessa to an arcanists shop.

Nariah will assk Khessa for help carrying the two extra tents she purchased, and offer them to the group when they meet up with Gundren.

Going away for shopping with the help of the two new friends she has just met, Khessa has the opportunity both to evaluate their advice and to provide some explanation to those who have asked for it: "At the moment, Nariah," a trace of frustration leaks out from her voice "I'm not able to cast spells of any sort. There must be something I'm missing... Or maybe something I'm doing wrong... The notes I have are so confusing... There, however, an 'arcane focus' was often mentioned - and I don't have it, so I thought maybe that's what I'm missing. Well..." she sighs "I know it's probably not just that I'm missing. But I've read that arcane focus helps you channel magical energy from the Weave... whatever this 'Weave' is... so maybe with that I'll have a better chance of success! Damn!" she slaps her right fist on her left palm, angrily "That b4st4rd Zer'lan could cast spells with impressive ease... Maybe, later, when we have a moment of calm, you could examine his notes with me? You know, having experienced firsthand how powerful and versatile magic can be, I would really like to learn how to use it... It can be so deciding, in battle..."

Sifting through the options presented to her as arcane focus (or as a substitute for it), the blonde warrior muses aloud: "An amulet, you say, Stoirm? You're right, it would seem like a great choice... As you point out, it would be easy to grab it in the middle of a fight! And I usually end up in melee..."

"Of course, even a Component Pouch could do..." the tall adventuress continues "It could have the same advantages... Thanks for mentioning it, Nariah. While, on the contrary, a staff... I don't think a staff would be right for me... It would be too bulky, I wouldn't be able to to handle it easily, while I already have weapons in hand to fight".

Khessa willingly agrees to help Nariah carry the extra tents and, while she approaches the half-elf to take her load, she lingers a little, pretending to fumble to place it comfortably on her shoulder, and murmurs to her:

The blonde warrior, at the time of purchase, discards the Component Pouch because it is out of budget - apparently, in all Neverwinter, the item is not sold for less than 25 gp! However, a Crystal, apparently, can serve as arcane focus... it's cheaper... and it shouldn't be difficult to make an amulet out of it, as Stoirm suggested, perhaps to hang around her neck! She therefore chooses a beautiful amethyst crystal and is happy to spend the rest of the day with the two new friends, waiting to meet up with Gundren.

Jandari's face practically lit up with each new face that entered the scene. But whereas hearing the crone ask for work left him taken aback a bit more than the rest, and Khessa's greeting made him flush a bit (but quick still to take up the offered handshake), seeing an "ACTUAL" dragon fluttering in left him absolutely beaming and trembling from barely contained glee. Of course he froze up almost immediately once said dragon landed on his shoulder out of fear of scaring it off before he could poke it just to be sure it was real. Fortunately, neither impulse or whatever semblance of politeness he possessed won the tug of war between deciding his next course of action before Stoirm fluttered off once more.

"Aww~ Come back." He murmured afterwards. A request unlikely to be overheard over the dragon's continued assessment of the remaining future party. Nevertheless, such look of disappointment is not want to last, as Stoirm's general exuberance swiftly uplifted his spirits and push aside any further thought of the others in the tavern, let alone his own reason being there!

Or he might have, if it were not for Gundren addressing of the group and drawing the man's attention once more. Although it is with some difficulty his attention remained held, as almost every word out of Stoirm threatens to steal it away. By the time Gundren finally gets around to offering the Contract, Jandari doesn't even bother really reading it over before signing it once it came to his turn. Only at the insistence of others, if not a pressure look might prompt him to at least try. Jandari is otherwise happy to listen, let things play themselves out, and ultimately accept an unexpected bonus from the start!

"Mn! This is more coin that Jandari, er, I am used to seeing. But, eh, will make sure coin is well spent on new Healer's kit! Thanks again, Gundren! And may your pastures be ever bountiful, yes?" Jandari chuckles for a bit, before turning to the rest. "If okay, Jandari maybe join part way? As all shops usually in same place, yes? If not, this okay too! No want to intrude of course, haha! Just will wish you, ehhh, a favorable Waukeen? I think that's how that goes -- But anyways, time to go!" With that and without waiting for confirmation regarding his suggestion moments ago, Jandari walks out of the tavern eager to follow through on his words, and then afterwards seek an Inn for the evening.

(Stoirm's Perception for the old woman disguise and the secretive chit chat - 6-1 for 5 - The li'l dragon notices nothing!)

     On the topic of arcane focii Stoirm suggests that whatever focus Khessa chooses it should be one that holds meaning to her or to the fount of her magics.  "Out of the weave, you say yes?  Yes!  So not holy magic then, I wouldn't think... So no symbol of a diety.  Something more personal, yes?  Yes!  Something that reminds you why you tap into the magic to begin with, perhaps? Yes, yes!"  If it is indeed a component pouch that intrigues Khessa the most then Stoirm is more than happy to lend her gold.  "My gold, yes.  Most definitely yes it is mine.  But... Annoying to carry too, yes?  Yes.  If I lent to you then you could carry it for me until I have a safe place to store my hoard, yes?  Win win, yes yes...."

     Stoirm is very put out that they cannot help carry any tents or such but alas "My kind were not intended for manual labor.  No, no.  Sorry, but no..."  And here too they are willing to lend coins if it is needed by anyone for items that would be useful.  Same reasoning behind it...  Plus they have very little use for material goods... Though they do ask if someone would mind carrying some rations they buy for them?

(I'm mostly handwaving away actual worries like carrying gold and such and only bring it up for RP... But if DM does want us being very strict about encumbrance then just let me know..)

     "A bell?  No, no, no...  No thank you. No," Stoirm insists, frankly a bit put off....  But once they realize everyone is being given one and it's not intended to be worn like some housecat may be adorned with then they relax on the issue and accept it.  Still a bit skeptical the little dragon studies it for a few moments and then carefully tucks it away in a pouch in such a way that it will not accidentally tinkle.  "Thank you, Koselig.  I shall keep it safe!"

Before embarking on the 'adventurer's shopping' mission, Khessa smiled and gladly accepted that the imposing foreigner joins: "Of course Jandari! If you don't get bored shopping with a country girl, come too! Considering that we will have to collaborate everyone in the near future, being together can only do us good. Are you from far away?" the woman's blue eyes admire him with curiosity "Probably even from further away than me... May I know where you are from?"

Getting to know the aspiring paladin is also a pleasure for the blonde warrior: "So, Koselig, do you intend to travel the world to remedy injustices?" she remains speechless for a moment "You must be very good and altruistic... Maybe... Maybe when the time comes I could suggest an injustice to remedy - if the paladins accept suggestions of this kind - I'm not sure... how this 'paladinhood' thing works... In my tiny country hamlet, Twardens, we never saw any..." she sighs "And now it's too late for them to be seen there". Upon receiving a bell and 2 flasks of oil: "Good idea! These tools will provide us with additional possibilities of action. Thanks!"

The tall adventuress responds to Stoirm's generous offer by declining with a smile: "You're good and generous, but the Crystall will do just fine... Apparently, it does the same service as the pouch... and it's so much cooler... Do you also like this color as much as I do?" she observes, satisfied, the amethyst.

(DM’s Note: Not worried about encumbrance too much. Also let me know when your ready to move on or if want some more interaction here in Neverwinter).

"This must be such a unique and rewarding experience, Koselig..." Khessa's blue eyes become dreamy, as if she were briefly imagining a scene "Laying your hands on someone and feeling your well-being spread through them..."

"My talents are much more prosaic" the blonde warrior admits. "Because I'm strong, resilient and incredibly determined, when I face someone with weapons in hand, I'm often the one left standing in the end. That's all".

"But I will improve, with time" the tall adventuress assures (perhaps more to herself than to those who are listening to her). "I'm studying magic. For now, without too much success...  but, hey, nobody is teaching me, after all... nevertheless, I will not give up; I will succeed, sooner or later".

[[ OOC: I'm ready to continue with the story... but I'm also having a lot of fun with the dialogue between the characters, so for me anything is fine - either continuing the interaction between the characters for a while, or moving on to meet Gundren the next day ]]

     “No, no.  No insult taken, Koselig.  And thus no compensation needed,” Stoirm assures when Koselig is worried of having offended.  “Maybe when I am much older and grumpier and rigid I’ll be one of… those.  For now though I am young and easy and happy, yes?  Yes, yes!”

     “It is a very pretty color.” Stoirm assures Khessa in regards to her crystal.  “Brings out your eyes, yes?  Yes!”

((I have no shopping to do so am ready to move on unless there is more to be discussed by someone… Also, maybe edit thread and take off the Recruiting tag??

     "Friendly dragon less threatening, yes?  Yes!  More accepted into a group to learn, to earn, to grow," Stoirm answers.  "If I was all growly and smokey and firey, specially while so little, acceptance may be different, no?  Yes.  Yes, yes!"  

     "But no... I am not always happy and positive.  I try to save the other side of me for those who deserve it though, yes?"

Nariah will take her leave of the others early and go to bed.

Much Earlier...

Fortunately, Jandari has enough good sense to stop when spoken to, and more than happily makes a point to match his pace better with the others during the shopping trip. At least until Khassi's expectations of either boredom or some self-interest inevitable led the man away. BUT, well before that moment comes about her curiosity is answer with much gusto!

...Once of course a free moment to speak was afforded him during the trip.

"Oh, Jandari has traveled quite far he thinks, though not entirely sure. And it's like mother says. If you make good friends along a journey, it not seem so long at all!" He admits with a bit of a chuckle to his voice towards the end. "Ah! But that not quite answer question! Jandari, eh... He is from little hamlet east of Krimmor? Gimmor? Eh, not good with names either it seems. Hehe. But uh, that's all way down south by Amn, so you know. But let me tell you that me Mother? Whoo~ She on the other hand is from far further still in, eh, unapproachable eastern area, if Jendari remembers right." 

On that note, for the most part, I'm good to continue to the next day. And sorry for the infrequent posts on my end. Weekends are usually dreadful times for me to try and post.)

Khessa is not in as much of a hurry as Nariah to go to bed and spends a long time with her new friends - intrigued by these nice 'true adventurers', people who have chosen this career, rather than being forced by circumstances like her...

When the blonde warrior finally goes to bed, her dreams are less tormented than usual... Yes, of course, more flames, blades, crossbow bolts, dark faces in the night... Her brother Anator who falls on his own blood... Then darkness ... rattling of chains... moans... But, towards the end, hope. Those figures, with her... Jannari, Koselig, Stoirm... Who walk with her through an underground tunnel, shedding light on her...

The following morning, the tall adventuress, waking up early, takes some time for a jog and some physical and martial exercise. She then to refreshes herself and studies those mysterious notes on magic which, for the moment, still seem so inscrutable... then she's ready to meet Gundren!

As the morning arrives each of you have about two hours before setting off out of town. As you each get up to leave, there is note under you door. As you go to open it, a few shards of diamonds fall out. Then note reads.

Dear Adventurer, 

Please meet for a quick a meeting at the tree by the Protector.'s Encalve. To not waste your time I have provided some diamond shards worth 20gp, just for hearing me out.

Sincerely 

Vandal Blackthorn

(What do each of you do)?

Nariah gathers the diamond shards back into the note they came in and grabs a quick breakfast, intending to head to the tree early. She is still in her crone disguise.