Kanon nods and pats the cask, "It comes with a request, I'm afraid. Neiklot requests your assistance and he's asked us to help get it. I won't beat around the bush, as I'm sure you appreciate upfront honesty. He'd like us all to go to Athkatla to retrieve a few books from someone you may know... someone tied to Thay." Kanon shrugs a bit and says, "Buuut, we" he gestures to the others, "need to finish something before we depart. Will you allow us the honor of travelling with you again... and will you wait for us?"

"Ah, that'd be Aerie, I'm supposing." 

Orst pulls up his trousers and grunts.

"Sad case, that one. Such a pretty little lady. She's one of the avariel, you know, had beautiful white wings until they had to be cut off - damaged beyond repair from when she was kept in a too-small cage by a previous master. Scuttlebutt is some benevolent gnome magicky type took pity on her and traded for her freedom."

He chuckles.

"Heck of a negotiator, that one, especially when it comes to her library. 'Not for sale', says she, but Orst knows the truth. There's always an 'unless' attached."

"Then you understand why we need your help. Will you wait for us? It's rather important that we finish off our business here..." Kanon tries to give a reassuring smile, but he knows that dwarves tend to be a stubborn lot when they set their mind to a task. 

Orst laughs and shrugs.

"I guess I can't get rid of ye folk with a letter. I'm in no hurry so long as ye have a pint before ye go."

He glances at Bullden, who sighs, rolls his eyes, and begins to unload the cart.

"I've been told I'm rather like a foot fungus that's impossible to cure," Zina winked at Orst. "Just when you think you've been rid of me, I come back stronger and more persistent than before. However, after your last shared drink, I think I'm just going to stick with water this round." The small gnome paled at the memory of waking up in the crate of silks.

Watching the group for some time with Gaia hiding amidst a pile of crates, Pettilaen devises a plan whereby he can surprise the party. He didn't have Baradwulf, but he figured the party might actually be slightly relieved to hear that, knowing how much some of them wanted to go after that book. He did however, find a new friend, and he wanted a spectacular way to introduce him.

As they conversed amongst themselves, an idea came to Pettilaen: What if I had an epic introduction for Zeratto? They would certainly love it! Conversing with the elven barbarian, he told him of his plan. Stealthily climbing up a box of crates near the party, he leapt from the top and landing in the midst of them [Stealth of 25]. "Hello!" he shouted, hoping to startle at least Zina. "Welcome back! I have a major surprise for you all!" Knowing that at least one of them would ask if it's Baradwulf tied up in a bow, Pettilaen responded to the imaginary question, "And no, it's not Baradwulf. He's long gone, having already made his way to Neverwinter. BUT! It's okay, because the Eltuuran's put a bounty out on him, so there are a few groups who will already be on the lookout. SO! Justice will be served to that bastard. But anyway, I have something cooler!"

He huge grin spreads across his face. Mustering as bravo of a voice he could muster, he shouts, "May I introduce you to the Lord of Pain! The King of Destruction! The One Who Makes Kids Listen to Their Parents! ... I just made up that last one. ... The big, the strong, the incredible... ZERATTO!!!" His hands motion to an opening amidst some crates, where showers of sparks and loud fanfare begins playing from seemingly nowhere. Gaia wails one of her banshee shrieks to top off all of the ruckus.

Zeratto steps out, straight faced amidst the sparks and fanfare. He merely nods to his new compatriots. "Hello." Is all he offers even as one of the sparking devices next to him seems to fizzle and spit enthusiastically.

"I am Zeratto. I don't think people call me those other names. I'm glad to be of service."

Kanon can't keep his eyes from staring at the many scars that line Zeratto's chest. It's like he's transfixed to them. Eventually he snaps out of it and, eyes wide says, "Wow Pettilaen... perhaps you and your friend would like to join us for some ale?  It's fresh from Citadel Adbar... er... well... as fresh as you can get from travelling so far." He pokes at the keg which causes Zina's pony to grunt in annoyance, "I don't know how to tap it though..."

"I think we need a leash for Petti," Zina winked at Kanon. The precocious gnome whipped her head back towards Zeratto. "New guy, how do we know that we can trust you? Kanon hasn't turned on us yet, but we have no reason to believe you won't murder us in our sleep."

"You don't really think he would, do you?" Kanon looks to Pettilaen and then back to the barbarian, then back to Pettilaen. "Is he an old friend or something? Not that he's old... I mean he is because he's an elf, but... how did you meet with Mr.. uh... Zeratto?"

Portia manages not to jump as Pettilaen shows up in the middle of him. She just shakes her head as the introduction is made with all the fanfare.

"Welcome, Zeratto. You look like a fighter that has seen a few fights and managed to survive. I am Portia Starflower of the Song of the Morning."

She had no clue what the barbarian would really be like, but she wasn't getting any bad vibes. Also, it was rather interesting when they needed a new fighter, that one was found. She smiled.

"It is nice to meet you all. Don't be alarmed by my appearance. I fight for a living, but I also help those in need. It would seem that you are in need of my help now, so I will offer it. I don't kill things in their sleep. It is unsportsmanlike... As for how we met, call it a favor for a friend."

Zeratto gives a gesture of welcome to his new friends, and nods to those who have already addressed him. He keeps his arms crossed as he awaits further questions.

"Will you murder us while we're awake then?" Zina narrowed her eyes, unsure if that was any better. "I may be small, but I'm warning you, don't you dare double cross us. 'Cause I will kick your sorry arse all the way to Citadel Adbar if you do, you hear?" The gnome crossed her arms over her chest. What was with her party and accepting random strangers into the group? Kanon had worked out alright, but the wizard had to assume that he was an anomaly. 

To the first question, Zeratto answers, "Only if you give me cause, but I'm not one to bring ire to my companions."

"And don't worry. I'm loyal. I also don't care to know what is at the Citadel of Adbar... just hearing the name gives me pause..."

"Well it's a dwarven city, or rather a dwarven citadel that is a bit of a trade-hub for dwarven crafted goods. Most mythril comes from there as well as the ale that we..." He notices that no one is listening to him and stops talking.

"Um, master Orst, if you wouldn't mind." He pokes the pony's keg again and it shakes its head in frustration.

"Even though Pettilaen said Baradwulf is long gone from here, I would still like to stay the night in Baldur's Gate before I depart to help on this errand. I'd like to visit my family, if it's alright." He looks at each group member as he says this, asking their permission to delay their departure for a night.

Orst smiles.

"Fine, fine, yes!" He laughs. "We will depart in the morning. That means we can go ahead and finish loading my cart tonight!"

Bullden's eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to speak, then sighs instead, and begins loading Orst's belongings back on the cart. Again.

"Of course. I am in no rush. I would like to enjoy my time here as well." Zeratto  makes it a point to drink and tells stories of terrible dangers that he has faced, such as the dreaded hay golem.

Zina felt a pang of sadness at Kanon's mention of family. She wanted nothing more than to be able to return home and see her dad again, but that was impossible. "Orst, can I help you load up in any way?" she asked, attempting to find a distraction.

"How about ye help me unload instead?" He smiles. "Let's start with that keg on your pony. After that, we'll work on its contents."

Pettilaen had been wanting to see his family during the entire trip, and he felt that now was the perfect time to do so. They liked to stay up late anyway, so he figured they'd still be awake when he got home. he had hoped that everyone would want to go see them, but he understood that others had other obligations.

"If we're not leaving until the morning, then that gives me just enough time to see my family!" Pettilaen rejoices, having not seen them for a few months. "They'd love to hear all of the stories of the adventures we've been on!" He pauses, thinking for a moment. "You know, if anyone wants to come, I'm sure they'd love to meet my new friends! Though the cottage is a little small, what with being gnomes and all, so it might be a little uncomfortable for you... taller folk." he explains, before turning to Zina. "You'd fit just fine, with being shorter than me and everything, if you wanted to come. We even have a guest bedroom! AND. We can bust out some Brookebrew Red! It's a new mead we've been refining, so it'd be great to get another's input."