"Theo, wait." Viaya objects as the orc gets up to leave. "We have some things to sort here before we go bumbling into Townhall. Like what exactly we're going to say and how exactly we're going to convince them to believe us." Not to mention the fact that she isn't sure about taking either of these strangers anywhere. Whatever Theo has to say about it, the gnomish woman seems if not mad than at least highly confused and Wysayra looks tired enough to fall asleep on her feet. Not to mention apparently needs a bit more convincing to let her see the sword. "Everyone please just slow down for a moment." The elf requests before turning back to Wysayra. 

"I don't intend to keep it, I just want to look at it. If it belonged to a Valcemonian soldier it might have identifying marks to prove it and prove that we're telling the truth about what happened in Kovoloro." She explains. "And having proof will leave all of us in a better place no matter what we decide to do with it." 

Saryn

The gnome woman nods at Viaya's words. "Yes my lady."  And begins eating very slowly.

"oh well um" stutters Wysarya her brain trying to process the crazy gnome and Viaya's request. realizing it might be special after all. Wysarya hands the weapon over "while you're looking at that, and dealing with that" waves in the direction of the gnome "I'm going to get a room and a change of clothes, I would like to accompany you to report what happened if you don't mind?"

Zakon places a hand on Theo's arm as he stands.  "Viaya has some good points, friend.  Before we go report anything, it might be wise to gather all the information we can first.  The weapon may indeed prove useful.  Let's not forget that the others should have already reported what happened," he says.

While Wysarya goes to get a much-needed rest, Viaya sets to trying to examine the weapon. The scimitar is not a common weapon among typical Valcimonian soldiers. Many of the materials appear more southern, from what little experience Viaya had outside of Goyag. Her father's collection of swords were all she really had to go on. No, this weapon seemed more southern in origin. Likely, it is from Clifnalia, a more central region, but famous for being home to the dragonborn. This could be possible proof, as the dragonborn of Clifnalia are currently allied with Valcimonia. The weapon could have come from a dragonborn in their ranks, or the sword may have been seized by a Valcimonian soldier. It's at least something, but not much. Zakon and Theo, meanwhile discuss the particulars of how best to approach their next strategy. And Saryn is busily saiting her hunger. 

For the time being, a plan of action hasn't really been devised, but there are a few ways it could be handled. You, unfortunately, do not get the time to think about them as a voice suddenly calls out, "Viaya Morbrew, as I live and breathe."

The voice belongs to a rather handsome-looking elf, clearly wearing attire that suggests he is more than a mere merchant. His smile is a bit unnerving, looking like a cat who has caught the mouse. With a grand flick of his maroon cape, he bows gracefully, and you spot a finely made saber on his belt. 

Theo

Theo's brow furrows. "The truth is the truth whether we have a scimitar or a longsword. We must--"

Theo is brought up short when an elf calls out to Viaya. Theo sees the fellow smile and that he bows gallantly. "Ah a friend of Viaya's!"

"Of course." Viaya assures Wysarya gratefully, accepting the sword as the other elf goes to seek out a room. Thankfully, Zakon sees the sense in her words as well. Urging Theo to at least wait long enough for them to put some idea of a strategy together before heading to Townhall. Shooting the gnome a grateful look, Viaya turns her focus to the sword. Setting aside the strangeness that is Saryn for now. The sword is disappointingly plain outside of its southern origins but it's something. Perhaps it and the sheer number of surviving witnesses will be enough to convince someone they're telling the truth. Or at least, convince them to look into it for themselves. Those she travels with are an eclectic assortment of oddballs, those in power here have no reason to trust their word but the ruins of the town they barely managed to escape from with their lives should speak for itself. Before she can share her thoughts with the others however, a most unwelcome voice interrupts them. A familiar voice saying her name in an utterly familiar way. Oh gods, no. Shoulders stiffening, Viaya drags her gaze up from the sword. Meeting the perfect blue eyes set into the perfectly handsome face of a man she'd not hoped to see again ever, let alone here, now. Her first instinct is a foolish one. The urge she has to tell him he must have her confused with someone else and then to flee the inn as fast as her feet can carry her quickly buried under her own good sense and Theo's innocently friendly greeting. Once that's buried, her upbringing kicks in. A polite if chill smile gracing her features as she dips her head to the elfish man, heart pounding. "Leokus Glimmerguant." She says. "What a surprise. This is hardly the type of place I'd have ever thought I'd run into you." Which was part of why she'd chose it along with the price. While it hadn't been as ideal as not being in Cherkobe in the first place, she'd thought it would be enough out of the way of people like Leokus that she wouldn't have to worry about running into anyone, that she'd be safe. What was he doing here? What did he want? How in the nine hells had he found her? 

Saryn

Sensing the tension between the elves Saryn looks around quickly then drops to the floor grabbing the fleece trim on her clothes. Suddenly there is a largish rock where the gnome had been. After a second you hear "Pssst! Zakon! Hide when the fey start to fight!"

Zakon looks up in surprise as the newcomer greets Viaya.  He watches their exchange, his eyes flying back and forth between them.  Something is off about Viaya's body language, but before he can ponder any further, he is distracted by Saryn's whisper.  He looks around, seeing a large rock where Saryn had been sitting.  Sighing, he drops to the floor as well, scooting a bit under the table, out of the way of foot traffic.  Still listening with half an ear at Viaya's conversation, he whispers at Saryn, "Have you been around many fey fights?"

Saryn

”Enough to know to stay away from them. It’s tricky though. I can’t tell what season they are in. I thought call when she said to eat. But I sense a lot of coldness as well. I still don’t understand where I am. A town has never appeared in this area before. They usually stay much more dawnward of the hunting grounds.”

Zakon blinks slowly at Saryn's words, only understanding about half of them.  What season they are in?  Coldness?  A town has never appeared here before?  Her state of mind is much more fragile than I thought.  Perhaps we should leave her here and go on about our business, he thinks.  Theo is certainly anxious to get moving.  But who is this friend of Viaya's?  And why doesn't she seem happy to see him? 

Saryn

"How have you avoided the fey so long to be so unaware of them? Have you been in this Cherkobe long? Are you able to leave it?" A calmness comes over her face as she looks to you. "It has been so long since I've seen another....It is very nice to meet you Zakon."

Leokus' rises with a gleam in his eye. "I really should be asking you the same thing. Your sudden disappearance caused quite a stir in Golorere. I'm curious as to your sudden return. A late wedding present perhaps?" He notices the look of confusion Viaya gives him. "Ah, I suppose you have not heard of your brother's recent marriage then. But, to answer your question, my family has sent me out on a bit of a fool's errand. A caravan of ours has gone missing. Cherkobe was the last place it was spotted before heading north. I've been trying to glean information from the rabble here, but nothing's come up. Still, when I heard rumor that the missing daughter of the Morbrew family had been spotted, I had to see for myself." It's certainly an unsettling realization for Viaya that Leokus' eyes and ears are out this far in Goyag. Could that mean that her own family had others looking for her? Had she been spotted by others before?

Still listening with half an ear to Viaya's conversation, Zakon's brows rise at learning Viaya is apparently the daughter of a well-known elven family.  Before he can think on it any further, he is distracted by Saryn's words.  "We've only been here a short while," he says.  "Why wouldn't we be able to leave it?"  His mind wanders again, trying to figure out the puzzle that is Saryn.  Where has she been? Trapped with somewhere with the fey? How long has she been so?  "It's nice to meet you as well, Saryn.  Tell me, how long has it been since you've seen another?"

Theo

Theo waits a moment for everyone to remember that they were heading to town hall but it seems that a reunion of sorts is taking place.

Theo makes his way over to Leokus. "Hello Sir! I am Brother Theo, a compatriot of Viaya's. I assure Viaya has not been missing, she's been with us the whole time."

Theo smiles at Leokus. He knows not to smile too often as other folks sort of mis-interpret the tusks. He has found that a person's reactions often reveals their nature. 

Saryn

"It's been...a very long time. I think. It's hard to tell. I think the last time I saw a gnome...a real one that is....was before I left home. Home, Lullin. I miss Lullin. I wonder if I will ever see it again."

(DM I made up the name of a home town. if you have one that would work better please let me know. Happy to retcon. It would just be a small setlement in Sombolios (sp?).)

Zakon sees that Theo and Viaya seem to have the newcomer in hand, so he turns his full attention to Saryn.  "How long is a long time?  A month? A year? Longer?"

Saryn

”Hmmm, Hard to tell for sure. How many days pass if the sun never rises or sets? How many years  when the seasons change on a whim? Could have been no days. Could have been hundreds of years. Could it be both? It feels as though it’s been a lifetime.”

Zakon narrows his eyes at Saryn, trying to decide if she is crazy or trying to put one over on all of them.  He shrugs, deciding it doesn't matter to him as long as no one sent her after him.  He turns back to the conversation going on between Viaya and the newcomer, studying the man closely. 

"It was hardly a disappearance." Viaya negates. "I needed some time away to clear my head and I took it, that's all." It's not exactly a lie, even if she is omitting a few crucial facts. Such as the one where she was planning on never coming back. But what was this about a late wedding present? She blinks as Leokus goes on, the confusion showing on her face prompting the other elf to quickly explain. Turning her confusion into shock. Ventris had gotten married? To who? Before she can ask however, Leokus is responding to her other question. Complaining about the errand his family had sent him on to attempt to retrieve a missing caravan and explaining how he'd found out she was in town. An explanation that doesn't sit well with Viaya at all. She'd known coming to Cherkobe would be a mistake but she had never though she'd be spotted so quickly. Is this first time she's been seen or have there been others? Other watchers, other people reporting her movements back to her parents? If Leokus has found her, how long will it take them to? Another question, how is she going to get him to leave her alone now that he has found her. Shaking herself slightly, Viaya dips her head to the elvish man. "I'm sorry for your family's troubles. If there was a way I could help I would but I'm afraid neither me nor my companions have heard anything about a missing caravan." Theo breaks into their conversation again, his timing actually quite perfect this go round and Viaya's eyes brightens some, a sharp humor entering her expression. "You've met Brother Theo, the two under the table are Zakon and Saryn. Saryn's the one that looks vaguely like a rock right now."