Arkun’s eyes widen, he takes a step back as Sylra announces herself, and announces that she’s a member of the Emerald Enclave!  A sudden intake of air gives away his surprise, then he calmly listens to her words.  “Sylra.  Well met, my name is Arkun Iridae, of the Emerald Enclave as well.  Were you summoned here, to Red Larch?  I was, and the suggestion was to meet the likes of you, I’m sure.. so I feel that this is no accident.  I knew there was something…. I left a carved message in the bar yonder for any others to recognize in my language of the wood.  Well, here we are, met on the street in such a place!”

”I have noted signs as well, and I was sent to find someone named Haeleeya Hanadroum here in Red Larch, I was not told about you… have you heard of this Haeleeya, or know where I can find her?  I was told that she would have valuable information about my mission.  Things weren’t exactly clear from the message I received, if you know anything about it, I would be keen to know.  It seems that we were meant to meet her in Red Larch this day…. I was sent from my home in the Kryptgarden forest to seek out help and learn more.  This is Rylan, who was to accompany me as we help each other, his horse Brandy, who is even better to talk to.  And that fellow walking away from us is Rumble.  The Knights of Samular are apparently here working on something as well.  Perhaps… you could join us too?”  Arkun adjusts his pack and his staff and looks at her, hopefully.

Sylra’s expression softened as Arkun spoke, his surprise fading into recognition as he named the Emerald Enclave. She studied him steadily, her gray eyes calm yet attentive, noting the way he adjusted his staff and shifted his pack as though steadying himself for what came next. When he finished, his quiet hope clear in the way his gaze held hers, she inclined her head in acknowledgment, the subtle gesture carrying both respect and quiet approval.

“Well met, Arkun Iridae,” she said, her voice measured and even, carrying just enough warmth to meet the moment. “It seems the winds have brought us both to Red Larch for the same purpose. I wasn’t given your name, but it was made clear to me that others would feel the call of this place and that we would find one another when the land was ready to speak. It appears we’re already being proven right.” Her gaze drifted briefly to Rylan and the horse, Brandy, and she offered them a quiet, respectful nod before turning her focus back to Arkun.

“You were told to seek Haeleeya, and you were wise to do so,” she continued, her tone calm but carrying the quiet certainty of someone already familiar with the path ahead. “I’ve already spoken with her. She isn’t a formal member of the Enclave, but she’s proven herself a loyal friend to it, and she keeps her ears open in a town where many choose not to hear at all. From her, I learned of two things worth our attention. There’s a quarry worker at Mellikho’s quarry who’s become increasingly unsettled, though no one seems to know why, and there’s a young girl at the poultry shop who stumbled on something that frightened her so badly she refuses to speak of it. Haeleeya suspects both are connected to whatever it is that’s been unsettling the land here, though no one yet dares to say it aloud.”

She let her hand drift to the strap of her pack, adjusting it slightly as though to ground herself before continuing. “Before I sought Haeleeya, I also spoke with Kaylessa, the innkeeper. She believes trouble is brewing outside town at a place called Lance Rock. She claims it carries an evil presence strong enough to put everyone on edge. She warned me not to go alone, and it seems her advice was well-placed. Even the roads here feel uneasy beneath their quiet surface, and beyond them, the land is already turning against its own balance. If even half of what she says is true, we’ll have no shortage of work to do.”

Her gaze met Arkun’s steadily, the quiet determination in her expression matched by the calm resolve in her voice. “If you’re willing, we’ll walk this path together. It seems we were meant to find one another, and the land will be better served if we stand as one. Whatever storm lies ahead, we’ll weather it more surely side by side than apart.” There was the faintest trace of a smile at her lips as her eyes softened slightly, quiet confidence underscoring her words. “You’ve already chosen your companions wisely,” she added, her gaze briefly moving to Rylan before returning to Arkun. “And it seems you’ve found me just in time.”

She shifted her pack higher onto her shoulders, letting it settle against her back as she gave them both a final, deliberate nod. Her posture remained steady, her presence calm but purposeful, carrying the quiet strength of someone already prepared for what lay ahead and unafraid to meet it.

"Well I be..." Rumble muttered, momentarily taken back by the man. Thankfully before things can get too awkward, he snaps to attention and quickly stuffed the note back into his pocket. "Heh, very true, good sir, very true~ And I must say it is an equal pleasure to make your acquiantance." He says while offering the man what promised to be a firm handshake. "Fer the record, I'm only a Knight of Samular. And while under better circumstances I wouldn't be opposed to learning more about your Order, as things stand at the moment, well... I hope you can forgive me calling a raincheck on further pleasantries in favor of getting right to the reason I sought you out."

With a hand placed over his chest, Rumble takes a quiet, steadying breath, before contorting his face into one of upmost seriousness. "I'm not sure how much you've heard up to now, but there's been a fair bit of trouble happening throughout the Desrin Valley. And though it pains me to admit it -- for any Knight of Samular to admit, we're stretched thin dealing with what we can. My own assignment involves trying to figure out what happened to some homesteaders that were supposedly abducted by a swarm of flying men descending at night. There were even some abnormally larger feathers recovered after the incident to lend some credence to this as well." He explained, forgetting for the moment the presence of the other priestess and how the news might affect her.

"Also, though I'm technically s'pose to find an, uhh... what were their names? Mellikho, Waa--uh--Waelvur? And, an, uhh, Mand-e-ver? I dunno, some weird human name -- but, uhm, have you heard of dem fellas being around Red Larch? 'spossedly, uhh, there's this bandit chief or something held up at a Rivergard Keep that's also been getting too big for his briches, and they s'pose to know somethin'? But, uhh, I'm half hoping maybe you might as well?"

"Absolutely."  Arkun says in response, "It is clear that we were meant to meet today.  Let's help each other, perhaps we can hunt down these clues and gain a better understanding.  Except, ah.. this orc fellow in a helm just tried to deputize us to go handle a number of other chores.  Perhaps if we all work together, we can divide and conquer these things, though I must not fail to accomplish what the Emerald Enclave wishes me to do.  So, where now?"  Arkun reaches out to Brandy, giving her a good pat.  Speaking to Brandy alone in horse speech, he says "You getting all of this?  We're getting dragged into 12 different directions.  Humans, and now Genasis.  What can you do with them, eh?"

Sylra’s eyes narrowed slightly as she weighed Arkun’s words, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she gave a faint nod, her decision settling into place. Then let’s not waste the day, she said, her tone calm but resolute, carrying the quiet authority of someone accustomed to listening to the land and acting decisively when it spoke to her. Haeleeya mentioned two places where the threads of all this might be unraveling — the quarry to the north and the trail that winds up into the hills. Of the two, the quarry seems the more immediate concern. If strange forces are at work there, it could explain the imbalance I’ve been sensing. And it’s close enough that we can return before nightfall if needed, which keeps us flexible for whatever comes next.

She adjusted the strap of her pack as her gaze shifted toward the northern edge of town, already envisioning the path ahead. The quarry represented both a lead and a test — if what waited there was tied to the disturbances she’d felt, it would give them their first real clue as to the nature of the threat facing the valley. If not, it was still a step forward, and she had no intention of letting the day slip away to indecision.

Turning back to Arkun, she met his eyes with quiet determination and gave him a sharp, confident nod. We’ll start with the quarry. It’s as good a place as any to see if this orc’s errands and the Enclave’s business are one and the same. If nothing else, we’ll learn something useful. Her lips curved in the faintest trace of a wry smile, though it never quite reached her eyes. Come on then. Let’s see what Red Larch is hiding in its stone.

Arkun turns to Rylan and Rumble, if he is there, and says “I feel that I must accompany Sylra to the quarry, to investigate the imbalance that she mentions, would you like to come with us?  Or should we meet up here afterward?  I must do what the Enclave wishes first, then I would be glad to help you.”  He rubs and pats Brandy on the neck, saying “I’ll catch back up to you soon, keep him out of trouble, will you?”

RUMBLE:

"Fer the record, I'm only a Knight of Samular. And while under better circumstances I wouldn't be opposed to learning more about your Order, as things stand at the moment, well... I hope you can forgive me calling a raincheck on further pleasantries in favor of getting right to the reason I sought you out."

"Not to worry, friend," Imdarr says. "The Order and the Knights of Samular are not far apart. Surely half of Summit Hall calls themselves part of the Order of the Gauntlet. I am here night and day if you would wish to join." He listens attentively as Rumble continues.

My own assignment involves trying to figure out what happened to some homesteaders that were supposedly abducted by a swarm of flying men descending at night. There were even some abnormally larger feathers recovered after the incident to lend some credence to this as well." He explained, forgetting for the moment the presence of the other priestess and how the news might affect her.

"Also, though I'm technically s'pose to find an, uhh... what were their names? Mellikho, Waa--uh--Waelvur? And, an, uhh, Mand-e-ver? I dunno, some weird human name -- but, uhm, have you heard of dem fellas being around Red Larch? 'spossedly, uhh, there's this bandit chief or something held up at a Rivergard Keep that's also been getting too big for his briches, and they s'pose to know somethin'? But, uhh, I'm half hoping maybe you might as well?"

Imdarr scratches his head. "Well--I have only just arrived you see, within the tenday. We come from Waterdeep in pairs to tend the Allfaiths Shrine, and stay only temporarily. Lymmura though, has been coming for decades. Lymmura?" He looks to the older woman in the shrine, and she offers a smile. "Yes, I've officiated many a wedding here," she says. "I know most of the townsfolk by name. Albaeri Mellikho runs the quarry to the north. Ilmeth Waelvur operates the Wagonworks just across the intersection from us. And the Mhandyvers have a poultry shop at the south end of town."

Imdarr grins. "See, she is like encylopedia. I am afraid I have not heard of bandits or keeps, though."

ARKUN, RYLAN & SYLRA:

OOC: Letting the RP continue here, in case Rumble wants to rejoin the group before traveling to a new location.

Rumble let out a low whistle, seeming genuinely impressed by the older woman's knowledge. Though, as it occurred to him that he'd be doing a fair amount of wandering, worry began to settle in the stoney visage of the earth genasi when Imdarr speaks up, lightening the mood. "Ah, that's quite alright sir! To be honest, I'm starting to figure the reason Lady Ushien pointed me in yer direction was a bit more three fold than what I knew starting out. I just... haven't figured out how. Yet!" Rumble rubs his chin thoughtful for a moment or two, before regarding the older woman with a sheepish smile.

"Uhh, sorry mam. But, uhm, thank you very kindly for all that! Uhh, and I guess, uhm, you know of anyone in town that mentioned anything about bird men or giant birds in general being spotted nearby by any chance as well? Or really any other trouble or weirdness ya heard in town?" He asks, and after waiting patiently to see what came of her answers, bowed his head deeply in thanks. "Well, I aughta be heading out 'n prolly round up some folks I recently met. Though, uhh, for I go Imdarr. I'll give what ya said 'bout joining the order some real thought. Uhm.. do you like, uhh, have a book or somethin' about'em?" He asks, and upon recieving the answer, thanked the man one last time before heading outside. If he sees Arkun, Rylan, and the mysterious woman still outside conversing, Rumble will make his way over the trio, though with a notable air and look of concern about him.

Aldric removes his helm and smiles a polite — if official-looking — smile at Kaylessa. His gruffness, it seems, can slide off as quickly as it appears. "A meal would be welcomed," he says.

After looking around the room to observe the others present, he continues in a voice loud enough for all to hear: "Before I sit, let me ask you. I am looking for Rivergard Keep. Would you happen to know where it is? I understand the leader of those who have been troubling our roads lately is located there."

After the innkeeper replies, the half-orc sits and orders a bite to eat and an inexpensive mead.

As he waits, and as he eats, he subtly watches those around him with the practiced eye of a law man.

Brandy regards Arkun curiously then huffs...

 With a buck-toothed neigh he adds

Rylan considers Arkun's offer and replies, "I dare not tarry with my own responsibility. Tis a family matter of some urgency... but I will meet you there if time allows. I fear all this strangeness is too abundant not to be connected. Till then, I bid you both luck." To the Lady Syrla he simply bows his head in respect.

With that, he heads back towards the intersection, looking for the sign the barkeep described.

RUMBLE:

"Uhh, sorry mam. But, uhm, thank you very kindly for all that! Uhh, and I guess, uhm, you know of anyone in town that mentioned anything about bird men or giant birds in general being spotted nearby by any chance as well? Or really any other trouble or weirdness ya heard in town?"

"Well, dear, if you look long and hard enough, you'll find 'weirdness' anywhere," Lymmura chuckles. "No, I haven't heard anything about giant birds or bird men, except maybe from time to time you'll see an aarakocra from the Star Mountains flying by. There are all sorts of tales folks tell about them, but I've met one or two in my time. They're not so different from any of us, they just call their home a nest and live a few thousand feet higher than the rest of us."

Though, uhh, for I go Imdarr. I'll give what ya said 'bout joining the order some real thought. Uhm.. do you like, uhh, have a book or somethin' about'em?"

Imdarr chuckles, saying to Lymmura, "I like this guy. He is friendly, yes?" He turns back to Rumble. "The Order of the Gauntlet seeks justice. Protects those who cannot protect themselves from those who do evil. Sounds like your Knights of Samular, yes? Indeed, Lady Ushien works with both. But where the Knights of Samular protect this valley, the Order of the Gauntlet protects all over the Sword Coast. From Icewind Dale to Amn, and further still, if you are a member of the Order you will have friends and resources wherever you go."

ALDRIC:

I am looking for Rivergard Keep. Would you happen to know where it is?

"Well, I'm not for knowin' exactly where this Rivergard might be, but it sounds like it might be one of our Haunted Keeps by the name of it," Kaylessa answers. "The Sumber Hills are old. Lot of places in the hills that folks have raised and abandoned, might could be it's one o' them. Or might not, but either way, you're likely knowin' that you don't want to be 'venturin' out there by yourself."

After a few minutes, Ghileeda comes by the table with a cut of seasoned chicken and a loaf of bread, along with a mug of ale. The young human woman bows to you, her long black braid nearly touching the floor, then scampers away, clearly intimidated.

There are a few hearty looking folk scattered throughout the inn's common room. Aldric has seen plenty of their type in Westbridge, farmers and miners by the look of it. There is little conversation to be overheard, and most seem to be wrapping up their midday meal and preparing to leave.

RYLAN:

You find the square, two-story building just before the town's central intersection. Its signboard is painted with the images of a well-dressed lord and lady, one on each side of the board. The building's windows are protected with ornate scrollwork iron bars.

The smell of cloth washes past you by the disrupted air when you enter. "Oho!" a voice greets you, coming from a middle-aged human man with pale skin and a thin, wispy brown mustache that loops at the end into a twirling circle. Wall to wall, the store is covered in clothing, boots, and accessories. There is a set of stairs on one wall, leading up to the second story, where footsteps can be heard.

The man bows haughtily before Rylan. "Helvur Tarnlar, at your service, my good sir," he introduces himself. "Wait! Don't tell me...you bear the look of a noble house, one of...Baldur's Gate? Nay, Luskan, surely! Aha! I know just the thing." Before waiting for a response, he rushes to a cubby on the far wall, pulling out a pair of ornate boots, tinted blue with a design reminiscent of horses' hooves. Putting on one, he eyes Rylan's clothing under his armor. "Indeed, this is how aristocrats wear their boots in Neverwinter. They will look quite fine on you, I'm sure of it." He holds the boots out, as if expecting Rylan to try them on.

ARKUN & SYLRA:

OOC: Letting RP continue! 

Feeling the young maiden's discomfort more than seeing it, Aldric attempts to exude civility. When she retreats despite his efforts, he does not react — it is to be expected.

He takes a bite of his chicken, chews, then washes it down with a gulp of ale. The mug makes a double clicking sound as it makes contact with his tusks.

"Thank you for the directions to find your sheriff," he calls out to Kaylessa. "Unfortunately, he is unable to accompany me. He did offer that I should talk to ... "

The half-orc pauses. He makes a sucking sound as his tongue attempts to remove some chicken from between two teeth. Finally, he continues: "He said I should ask Mellikho, Waelvur and the Mhandyvers about the keep." He looks around the room, making eye contact with as many as will allow it. "Are any of you these?"

Rylan does his best to hide the pinched-nosed-wince on his face upon seeing the hoof-boots.

"How charming... No doubt such stylings would be quite an attention-grabber in the Northern regions but alas I am a slave to the fashions of Waterdeep, my native home." He bows slightly, hand over heart, boldly displaying his signet ring. "My name is Rylan of House Belabranta, son of Korvar, Deputy of the Lord's Alliance and devoted servant of Lliira, Mistress of Revels. I've come to inquire about the reputation and workings of the Feathergale Society. Our mutual friends suggested you would be the best to speak on the matter."

He starts to pace, half browsing the shop, taking care not to touch anything as if the slightest graze may taint him with some backwoods fashion disease.

"...as you might imagine, our family has a natural interest in a fraternity devoted to aerial riding. My dear sister recently joined the ranks of the Society and has bid that I do so as well..."

He pauses a moment, looks at Helvar, doing his best to gauge the man's reaction to those words before continuing...

"....of course, as a ranking member of my house, it behooves me to perform my due diligence before broadening any association between our noble family and such a novel, unproven organization. So, please, if you would favor me with your wise perspective, I would be happy express my gratitude in the form of patronage..." He glances around at the clothing in the shop, doing his best to ensure his polite smile doesn't twist into a sneer. "...once I find something, er, suitable... to, ehm... purchase."

Rumble's departure from the All-Faith's shrine is not a smooth transition; or at least, not as smooth a one the earth genasi had originally expected following his last inquiry. For the more that was learned, the more impossible it became to depart without standing there for a few moments after with furrowed brows and the faint sound of stone scrapping against stone filling the air as he rubbed his chin in thought. "Hmm... Definitely gonna need to pay the Star Mountains a visit, if'n I don't descover other leads..." He muttered before eventually looking up to the pair.

"Ya'll given me a fair amount to think about and then some, to say the least. Far more than someone like me can chew on in one sitting, if'n I were to be honest. Though, I only got myself to blame for that." He said with a bit of chuckle behind his voice towards the end. "There's another -- more senior knight in town I aughta run all this by as well. But I think ya might just have two new recruits 'fore long, Imdarr! Heh! Fer now though, I bid you both a good day, and may Tyr's spirit be with you." With that, Rumble gave a gentle bow before officially parting from the temple.

If at least Arkun and Sylra are out and about by the time of his departure, Rumble would hesitate for a moment to spare the Wagonworks a glance. But, seeing an opportunity to have some potential company while completing his assigned task, he ultimately decides to jog on over until able to walk at least walk alongside the pair if they were on the move by the time he gets to them. "Heya, uh, Arkun wasn't it? Headed by the Quarry by any chance?" He asks the elf with unmasked hopefulness to his voice. Though even before he gets an answer on that front, his eyes widen slightly in re-registering Sylra's presence, before he quickly bows his head. "Ah, uh, sorry, mam, uhh... I-I'm not interrupting somethin', am I?"

ALDRIC:

"He said I should ask Mellikho, Waelvur and the Mhandyvers about the keep." He looks around the room, making eye contact with as many as will allow it. "Are any of you these?"

Kaylessa chuckles after the folks in the room avoid Aldric's eyes, a few shuffling out the door quicker than intended. "You ain't gonna find 'em here during the day while they're workin', darlin', and I'd appreciate you not chasin' folks out of my common room," she says. "Mellikho runs the quarry up north, Waelvur runs the Wagonworks at the intersection, and the Mhandyvers've got a poultry shop down south. Not sure what you'll get outta them though, folks 'round here aren't exactly for listenin' to solutions, most just want to state problems."

RYLAN:

Helvur's sigh doesn't do much to hide his disappointment. While Rylan speaks, he walks over to the stairway and raps his hands on the side of its wall. "Maegla! Lords' Alliance business at the door!" He calls out. A woman's voice replies, "Give me five, then send them up!" 

Helvur makes a poor show of listening to the rest of Rylan's tale, but the moment patronage is mentioned again, his eyes light up. "My wife handles our affairs with the Lords' Alliance. She'll be ready for you in a moment, once she gets the children to their rooms. In the meantime..." he sidles over to a display of hats, picking a few up and holding them out in front of him, picturing them on Rylan's head. He settles on a tricorn hat with a large orange feather sticking up out of it. "I know, I know, you're a slave to the fashion of Waterdeep, but hats such as this are all the rage in Silverymoon," he says, holding it out for Rylan to try it on.

ARKUN, RUMBLE & SYLRA:

Arkun and Sylra are still in the intersection when Rumble departs the Allfaiths Shrine to a bellowing farewell from Imdarr. 

Rylan takes the hat, keeping his forced smile on his face. Without daring to put the thing on his head he holds the thing out like a baby with a poopy diaper asks, "How much?" 

Aldric takes another big bite of chicken and chews, his eyes conveying he'll respond once his mouth is no longer full. He's just about finished the entire plate in only a few bites.

Finally, he swallows.

"If I have to question everyone in this town, I will. Something is going on in the Valley. For about six months I've been watching the number of bandit attacks, kidnappings, murders, and raids rise. It needs to stop." He takes a swig of his ale, then continues. "I was able to get a little information out of some bandits, and that's what I have to go on. I need to cut off the head so that the rest of the snake dies as well."

He puts another big piece of chicken in his mouth and begins chewing.

Sylra had remained near Arkun in the intersection, her posture composed and quiet, though her eyes moved slowly across the road, tracing the idle rhythm of townsfolk moving about their late afternoon errands. The distant sound of a farewell being shouted from the Allfaiths Shrine caught her attention briefly, followed by the measured approach of someone walking with purpose rather than haste. The distinctive sound of armor shifting, paired with a familiar tone of voice, pulled her attention fully as the earth genasi jogged to catch up and then fell in beside them.

She turned toward him as he spoke, her expression calm but alert, her gray eyes meeting his with direct but unthreatening focus. His hopeful tone as he addressed Arkun was unmistakable, but it was the moment of hesitation—his glance at her, his sudden bow and stammered apology—that gave her pause. There was respect in it, but also uncertainty, and she had no desire to foster either fear or formality.

“You’re not interrupting,” she said, her voice low and even, shaped with the kind of clarity that needed no volume to be heard. The slight edge of formality in her tone was tempered by its quiet warmth, and the calm that rested behind her words made it clear she had no objection to his presence. “We were just beginning to speak of where we should go next.”

Her eyes remained steady on him for a moment longer, as though she were measuring something in his posture or his presence, and then she gave a faint nod as his question about the quarry caught up with his own thoughts. “You mentioned the quarry,” she echoed, her voice thoughtful now, drawing a thread between his task and her own.

She let the moment settle, not rushing the conversation, then shifted her stance slightly, her cloak catching a breeze scented with dust and the faint trace of wildflowers. “Kaylessa, the innkeeper, told me there’s been unrest among the workers at Mellikho’s quarry. One of them has grown particularly unsettled, though no one seems to know why. It may be nothing—but it may not be. Haeleeya mentioned the same in passing, and it’s reason enough to take a closer look.”

Her gaze moved briefly to Arkun, the gesture subtle but purposeful, a silent thread of inclusion tying the three of them together in shared direction. She returned her attention to Rumble, her tone still composed but now carrying the certainty of someone accustomed to moving forward.

“If your road leads that way, then it seems we may walk it together. Whatever lies ahead, we’ll be better served by speaking as we go. The land here is already shifting. If there are answers, they won’t wait for ceremony.”

With that, she turned slightly, her boots scuffing the dirt road as she shifted her stance northward toward the quarry. There was no urgency in her motion, only purpose, and she gave both men a moment to fall into step beside her before moving on. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows behind them, and if the wind carried whispers, Sylra was listening.

Arkun is walking alongside Sylra, he looks up and sees Rumble coming over, then says,  "Hi - Rumble.  No, not interrupting anything.  We are headed to the Quarry, as a matter of fact.   Hey ah.. Rumble, this is .. well, Sylra.  She is from the Emerald Enclave as well, and she found the person I was looking for here.  We are headed to the quarry, and hopefully to more answers there.  If you wish to come along, please join us."  Arkun is very awkward and forced with the introduction, he has met and talked with more people today than he has in many a ten-day. It is exhausting to him.  He forces a smile and thinks to himself, Act natural, you need their help.  He lets out a little cough and looks down at the way toward the quarry, walking there now, putting his hand on carved Digby in his pouch for reassurance.  He tells Rumble, "Rylan went on to handle his business, he'll catch up with us soon enough.  What have you found out, thus far?  Any word on the homesteaders who are missing, the feathers and whatnot?  Who do you seek at the Quarry?"  Arkun glances over at Rumble from time to time, encouraging further discussion as they are walking.  

With a clatter of stone against stone, Rumble clapped a hand on his chest and sighed in immediate relief. "Small favors.." He murmured, gaze lowering briefly in self-reflection, before perking up once more as the duo carried on the conversation. Though he appeared momentarily distracted catching a familiar flowery scent at one point partway through, a faint absentminded grin blooming at the time as well, Rumble soon shook it off and scrunched up his face into look of complete seriousness and concern and go on to listen with more rapt attention and keep pace with the pair.

When it finally came time for Rumble to chime in once more, the earth genasi looked away sighing and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Ehh, hard to say. I did find out that some kind of birdfolk, or Aarakocra as they s'posedly call themselves, live out in the Star Mountains. But, according to, uhh, Ms. Lymmura, apart from being feathered they aren't much different from any other towny in terms of relationship to non-birdies... At least not notable of late." He said, but would go on to confess. "But fer now, they would be the best lead I got, so I'm thinking of paying'em a visit soon as I can. That said, uhh, remember what that orcish fella mentioned earlier? Well, coincidentally, Mellikho was wanna the folk I needed to get a statement from about dem other bandits! But if somethings up with the mines, prolly not gonna be in much a mood to hear me out." Rumble lets out a nervous chuckle that quickly devolved into an exasperated sigh.