As the performer finishes, Jex heads to intercept the man he had been advised to see. 

"Ah, such festivities to liven up the say eh? So glad I made the stop here after all." 

Thurston looks really disturbed when notices that Vark is telling the wizard all the tale. He tries to interrupt some times but finally desists... He is about to tell Vark that is not polite to ruin someone's festivities and that the matter should be treated with urgency yes, but in a more private manner when the Lady and the Lord enter the room. He is, once again, shocked by their grace, and bows when they pass their side. 

He then tries again to be the first to speak but as he was trying to remember the correct elven words for the ceremonial language Gadron teached him ruing the journey Seid starts to talk. He talks in a low, almost tender voice, not usual in his normal high tone.

"Well, yes... ehem.. we are... we are truly sorry Hérë,Heri " he says using the proper ceremonial names this time " We are very sorry to bring this dark news to your bright festivity. It is true that what we have learned is important and we have come as soon as possible to share it with you, for we love you and your people. Please do not let this news to disrupt your joy and that of the good people of Hyarantar. I am sure that you will find the proper time and place to discuss it all " he ends with a smile. 

"Fear not, noble Thurston," Lelfaer replies, nodding kindly to the Norscan, "the people of Hyarantar are safe and rejoice in Hanali's light. That is in no small part thanks to you and your companions."

"Master Gwydion," the Lady continues, more solemnly now as she turns to Seid, "you have shown great courage and strength of character in turning away from those who would call you their own. I have never heard of these Mabinogi, and that itself troubles me, for your warnings ring with truth. I would ask that you stay a while, spend some time with Peldirion and consult his library. Perhaps together you can unravel more of this mystery."

"Vark," she says, now looking to the half-orc, "it pains me to ask more of you, after hearing what you have endured, but you should also join them. Any detail that you can recall might help uncover the truth."

"We also have news of our own," Keltin announces, once Lelfaer is finished talking. "I've had scouts ranging the Hrónan hills since you departed. They report that the Morrigan are consolidating their forces in the ruins of the ancient fortress you discovered. They have not yet returned to threaten us anew, but it is only a matter of time."

"Indeed, friend!" Druindar replies with gusto, clanking his cup forcefully against Jex's own. "Where do you hail from?"

"Oh here and there". Jex replies with a grin as he meets the clank with equal passion. "I'm a travelling trader, but thought I'd stop in on my way past. I hear they are setting up a trading guild in Sheercleft with big benefits for those joining early." He takes a sip of his drink and pauses to guage reaction. "How about you?"

"Oh, really?" Druindar asks with interest. "I thought the road up the mountain was closed? Too dangerous to travel, I heard. Riddled with bandits."

Vark nods dutifully. “Yes I... I’d like to learn more about all of it. I also know of a storm giant, Aureaonus. A... a friend of mine. I’m positive he knows more on these things. I was... I was hoping someone here could help me uhm... locate him.” He looks to both the Lady and Peldirion as he says this.

Thurston nods to the Lord, his fears reassured and the proper etiquette observed.His friends could be quite surprised that he, above all, thought of that and was trying to be diplomatic instead of jumping directly to the point. 

" I would stay too, if you don't mind, and could go out with some of your patrols to make sure that bandits doesn't threaten your people anytime soon." he offers. 

In the days following driving the Mabinogi out of Sheercleft, Hurrig was busy tending to the wounded. However, everyday he would make an effort to stop in to the temple and begin to clean. Feeling lost and confused over the desecration of it, Hurrig thought the best thing to start doing was cleaning the mess up first. As less townsfolk needed healing and help, Hurrig spent more time in the temple. Ruthlessly scrubbing the graffiti off the walls and sweeping up the pieces of the beautiful stain glass windows that had adorned the temple before. 

Hurrig would spend his nights in Ringrut's dismayed tavern helping clean as Ringrut served the towns folks. "I jus' can't let this happen again. Our people were at risk by those we trusted. I swear, Moradin as my witness, I will not let this happen again." Hurrig takes a seat across from Ringrut and sips on some ale. "Too many times have people I cared about been hurt. I will raise this temple up anew as a beacon of hope and protection for all." Hurrig notices that the voices of the tavern have quieted as he begins to speak. "Moradin has always shed his light on this small town so it is time we lift ourselves up by our bootstraps. We are no push overs. We are tough mountain folk! We are Sheercleft!" Cheers echo through the tavern, bringing a tear to Hurrigs eye.

The next day Hurrig notices that there are a couple people from the village standing at the steps of the temple eager to help him. A big furry friend stands tall among the rest, waving a giant hand in his direction. 

Jex smiles

"No longer, it seems. Some heroes cleared the way and made the pass and town safe. Now the town is ready to trade again and with rates to encourage investment too." He sits back taking another drink to let the idea sink in. "And in the meantime I'm just looking to sell my stock so that I can refill my wagon with my usual wares, rather than the cosmetics I received in trade from my previous deal."

Lelfaer arches an eyebrow at Vark's mention of Aureaonus, an unusual display of surprise given her typically serene and impassive expression.

"That is a name I have not heard in many years, young Vark. Last I heard, the Paramount dwelled atop Endelfjell."

While the Lady talks, Lord Keltin's eyes meets Thurston's and he silently nods ascent to the Norscan's offer.

"Well here's to them!" Druindar remarks at the mention of heroes, raising his cup once more. "With the road clear, maybe I'll make the journey myself."

"What's your name, friend?" The elf asks, holding out his hand for Jex to shake. "I'm Druindar. What kind of wares are you looking for?"

At the Lady's recognition, Vark looses any brief shred of decorum he had. His face lights up and breeze whips past his hair as he bounces up and down. "You know Aury!? I mean ah uhm y-yes the the Para-p-paramount uhm... the last time I saw him he was up on Endelfjell. I'm from a little lower on the mountain... but uhm yes he was... well he was attacked. Tall, blue skinned people were arguing with him, they they controlled the wind and storm just like he could. I got caught in the crossfire... but I survived, and woke up with my own powers. I haven't seen him since so I don't... I don't know if he's ok. How do you know of him? If- if I may ask."

Taking the hand, Jex smiles warmly answering without so much as a blink in hesitation. "Hamza Al Karimi. I usually trade in spices, Jewels and exotic items. I have some stock now if you're interested?" Without waiting he continues, "But really, my thing now is a huge supply of cosmetics. Outside my usual area of expertise so I lack the sales chain. You know anyone who might like to take it off my hands?" 

At first, Lelfaer actually looks amused at Vark's enthusiasm, but the smile quickly leaves her lips when he tells the story of the beings that attacked Aureaonus in the giant's own home.

"Aureaonus has lead the Ordning of the Jötnar wastes since time immemorial - and that by Elven reckoning. These blue-skinned creatures with elemental power, your description would suggest they are Djinni, or something that would wish to appear as one. How long ago was this, Vark?"

The Lord and Lady exchange a concerned look.

 "Ah! Spices and other goods from the far west, perhaps?" Druindar notes, as Jex gives the distinctively Sarameian name.

"I have some experience dealing with purfumes and colouring. Very popular in the capital and Littlewood. Maybe in the morning you can show me what you have to offer?"

Seeing that the Lord and the Lady are concerned about the fate of the giant Vark's friend, Thurston remains silent near Vark, for this seems really important. 

He tries to take a mental recount of all the problems that they were facing. The mages and their conspiracy and the danger to the capital city. The missing Paramount of giants that seems to be friend of the elves. This part wasn't so clear to Thurston. Could a giant be good? Well, certanly Thor has been known to befriend some, at least for a while before smashing their heads, and lately he has seen some weird things so, perhaps?. Anyway, that needed to be counted as a problem. Then the Morrigan and their bandits and their plan to bring back a dark deity, plans that seems to be in liege with the wizards. And finally, but not least, that Mathew thing that was free and freeing demons too. 

Definetly, he was going to need more mead that night. 

He blinked and tried to pay attention to the conversation. He had done it again, get lost in his thoughts. He used to do that a lot. His father always said that, that he had to focus and to keep his train of thoughts. "It's not that you are not smart son " he used to say " It's just that you are easily distracted ".... ...... And he did it again. What was the Lady saying?  

Jex smiles in mock surprise. "Well it seems good fortune is upon me with the seat I chose tonight. I could show you tomorrow before I leave, or tonight if you wish?" 

Druindar stretches and yawns.

"I'll take a real look when I have a clear head, but please tell me more," he says, gesturing for Jex to keep talking.

Jex spends the next few minutes telling an imagined story of some travels in the area, avoiding danger and travelling with other merchants. He describes in detail an encounter with a very happy tradesman who was talking about the benefits of joining the new Sheercleft traders guild. Eventually he makes arrangements to meet Druindar by his wagon early in the morning before heading off to see if he can find Lord Keltin.

His enquiries lead him to the great hall, where he slips in quietly, catching the end of the conversation and waiting silently at the back as though he had been there all along. 

“Djinni? Wha- uhm It it must have been over two months ago now. We were.... hoping m-maybe you could scry on him?” 

Having taken some time to organize the mess, moving anything salvageable into piles and getting rid of the rest, Hurrig takes a minute to look around the temple. The walls have all been scrubbed clean of graffiti, shattered glass cleaned up; the temple is really starting to come together.

Hurrig turns his attention to the altar and large steel burning anvil fixated along the northern wall of the temple. He enters one of the chambers where the priests would keep any holy symbols and cloths. Looking around he sees that most of the gowns and table cloths had been burned or ripped during the battles that Sheercleft had seen recently. Hurrig sighs as he throws them all into a bin to be repurposed for something else the town needs. He gathers up a few candles and braziers and places them around the altar. Lighting them and saying a few holy words in Dwarvish. In the center of the temple he places the largest brazier he could find. He says another prayer and casts Continual Flame on this one. 

That night Hurrig goes to Ringrut's tavern. It seems a little more full than normal, Hurrig smiles as he sees the life coming back to this once bustling bar. He goes to the bar and has an ale, and turns to address those who have gathered. "When Jex, Vark and tha others return, I will be holding a ceremony at tha temple for everyone ta honor all those lost. 'Til they return, I want ta re-open tha mines, ta begin making our town some money. I will be leading a team," at which point he looks out over the crowd, hopeful that people are willing to volunteer, "down inta tha mines. While down there we foun' some untapped veins that could be very beneficial for us." When silence falls over the crowd, Hurrig starts to lose hope, that maybe the town wasn't ready.

As Hurrig turns to return to his drink, a burly old Dwarf steps forward, "Aye, I'll go down with ya." Hurrig turns to where the recognizable, raspy voice came from. Seeing the long, black (due to the many many years in the mines) beard of an old friend brings a smile to Hurrigs face. 

"OY! Delg! Is that you?! Oh are you a sight fa sore eyes. It's great to see you made it. A dwarf of your stature is one that we would have missed greatly!" Hurrig charges Delg and embraces in a big hug.

A hearty laugh is shared between the two of them. "I've been watching your return from the mines... Your an honorable Dwarf, Hurrig Magmabraids. I will follow ya to the deepest chasm if there was mining to be done." The old dwarf says with a smirk and clasps arms with Hurrig once more and raises his glass "For Sheecleft! For Hurrig!" The cheers is answered quickly by all around

They laugh and they drink together all night. Hurrig begins to sing "Òr, deb, avuz, råsh numol libash thol" quickly it is echoed by every dwarf that is in Ringruts and the song takes off. What began as a nice dwarvish acapella mining shanty quickly erupts into a full ordeal. Lutes are pulled from seemingly nowhere and mugs of ale are slammed on the tables to keep a beat.

At the end of the night, Hurrig looks back at the tavern, the lights dimmed and the music stopped. He feels a sense of warmth and home that he has not felt since leaving Khaz a Grungon what feels like forever ago now.

For the first time since Vark met her, just three weeks ago, Lelfaer hesitates.

"I'm afraid that that is beyond my power, and the disappearance of the Paramount of the Jötnar is a matter that goes beyond the local problems of Hyarantar and Sheercleft. I must bring this to my liege, the Marquise of Wydrioth. Perhaps she will be able to help find your missing giant. The Marquise is a highly respected and learned elf, but be aware, she may wish to meet with you herself."