Lucina looks surprised at someone trying to engage in a conversation with her, almost certain no one would've noticed her if she kept quiet enough. She smiles a little bit at the friendliness though.

"Oh, my story? It.. it isn't really much. I-I was... well... abandoned as a child. I did whatever I could to survive until someone kind enough took me in and managed to find me something to help me earn whatever money I could get my hands on. I-It's not much of a job... but it's still a job." 

With that she reaches her hand out, politely shaking his hand. A semi-sheepish and nervous smile forming as she does so, remaining polite as possible. 

"It is alright to ramble on at times, and you already know my name is Lucina, but I hope we will be friends as well. If not friends, then at least friendly towards one another."

“I’m glad to meet you. It’s remarkable how similar and yet different our stories are. I’ve never known my parents, like most Sunblessed. They gave me to the Sunbishops. A kind man raised me to be one of them. I’m fortunate that his kindness has left room enough to go and find myself in the world. These jungles seem like the place to start.” Galius‘ face becomes stern for a moment. “There are arms of the church of the Warmfather which are less flexible. More demanding. And they would be this way for the greater good, but...”

”I hope we travel together awhile. I have a good feeling about you.” Galius let’s loose with one of his almost otherworldly smiles and walks with Lucina for a ways.

Lucina listens to every word rather curiously, seeming a bit more relaxed but still rather sheepish. Her smile looking less nervous the longer he walks with her.

"You're right. Our stories do seem a bit similar. Of course, I know one of my parents... " She pauses for a moment before giving a small shrug. "I wouldn't seek her out however. I'm glad you also found someone kind to help you. Every one needs a bit of kindness in their lives and help give a chance for a decent living." She lightly blushes and averts her gaze, looking even more sheepish. "I hope we continue to travel as well. You are rather kind for feeling that way towards... well towards me."

Instinctively she makes sure her ears are covered, brushing it off as lightly messing with her hair.

“Ah. You mean your... I’ve never known any elves before. Or... someone mixed. I mean your ears are... well, all the better to appreciate my music I say.”

Galius says this quietly, as though he’s a bit uncomfortable with the whole subject, but he’s trying his best.

Walking past them Conor scoffs "People are people, get over it, long ears or not, it makes little difference." As he passes, moving towards the front of the group, he adds "And if anyone disagrees the fault is theirs, not yours, the hood should only be for keeping your head dry."  the little rogue continues on without looking back.

(OOC: Arc's emotional state is slightly disappointed that they are not continuing through the forest but pleased to be speaking with Az and Alexia)

Charisma Saving Throw: 22

Arc watches as Riannis examines him.  He then addresses Azrael again "I am grateful for your statement of solidarity towards me.  If you are in trouble I will also come to your aid.  It is nice to have friends in times of need."

Riannis lifts off of Arc's head and flies beside him, speaking in a tiny, slightly squeaky voice. "You're a little disappointed," she tells him. "But pleased to be talking to Lexi and Azrael. You feel just like any other person I see into." She curves up through the air and lands neatly on Alexia's shoulder.

Alexia glances at Riannis, then back at Arc. "There's your answer," she says softly. "No different from anyone else." Her eyes briefly snap to Conor as he speaks, then back to Arc and Az.

"Well, well, I suppose there is more to learn but it is good to know that in some things I appear the same as other creatures."  Arc is indeed enjoying the conversation.

Alexia nods. "There's always more to learn," she says simply. "No matter where you are." She abruptly blushes and stares at the ground, going quiet and checking her hood.

After a tiring day travelling, you eventually make it to a wayside inn as dusk rolls the sun from the darkening sky. The three tier half-timbered building rises amidst a backdrop of vines and trees at the end of a thirty foot track off the main road. Your group makes your way down the track towards shelter for the night at the order of Ishaz. You can see frosted windows streaming warm light from within, and hanging lanterns outside of the arched wooden door illuminate a swaying wooden sign which proclaims "The Stoneside Inn". The exterior of the inn has a small stable with a pair of bay horses grazing on hay. Nearby, a solitary dairy cow lays lazily near a locked chicken coop. As you approach, you get a view around the back of the inn. Sheltered from the road, you can see a monolith of rune-carved stone leaning into the jungle trees like a shark's fin breaking through the surf, covered in moss and vines. A laundry line holding up a pair of white breeches is pinned between the monolith and the side of the building.

Ishaz barks an order at Corrigan to secure the wagons and mules around the back of the inn, then carefully stands with the aid of a strong stick that Yanny found for him earlier. The seafolker has changed from his bloodied clothes into something more presentable, a blue shirt covered by an open brown jacket. The man cautiously makes his way to the door, held open by Lenk, whilst pressing his hand to his neck. With the door open, you can hear the muted sounds of talking and a crackling fire gently rolling out from the inn. The smells of cooked chicken and baked bread reach your nostrils.

Inside, the building is comfortable, with high ceilings decorated with hanging oil lanterns and a large hearth dominating the back wall next to a wide oak staircase. The walls are dotted with the occasional painting or rustic decoration, with a few trophy parts from creatures on display here and there. The bar sits near the doorway, and you can see an old human innkeeper chatting to a bald female half-elf patron as you enter. At a second glance, you realise that the innkeeper is blind, with the telltale glazed white eyes of those who have lost their sight. Over near the hearth, a group of three human males who appear to be woodsmen are laughing over a game of dice. A pair of scholarly-looking humans seem to be having a polite debate over in the corner, sat on old red leather sofas. A pair of dwarfs and a gnomi sit at a low table eating roast chicken dinners with pumpernickel bread, speaking amongst themselves in their harsh language. The half-elf woman at the bar is dressed in a baggy green robe, with her shaved head showing off her pointed ears as she converses with the elderly blind man. There are a couple of other patrons, human males who drink alone, with the familiar appearance of road-worn travellers. 

The plan was originally to camp in the tents for the length of the journey, and Ishaz seems displeased that he needs to spend money on rooms to put a roof over your heads. After a quick exchange with the innkeeper, the seafolker heads over to you all, stood by the doorway, removing your coats and packs. "Right we have three rooms between us." He looks at Garun, Lenk and Yanny, handing the oldest man a key, "You three can share with Corrigan, he snores like a hell hound." He points at Arcast, Galius and Lucina, "You, you and you are with me." He then hands a key to Azrael and nods at the remaining four. He then removes a large flat pouch from his inside jacket pocket. "Fifteen suns each you've earned so far. Minus from that the cost of your rooms and you're each left with fourteen. Luckily, I insured the caravan, so I won't dock your pay for damages." He hands out a handful of coins to each of you in turn, producing a second wallet from his back pocket as the first runs empty. He then saunters over to a beaten looking chaise longue by the hearth and produces the book he was reading the previous night.

Garun, Lenk and Yanny immediately head to the innkeeper and order food. A younger teenage lad with a mop of messy black hair appears from a back room and takes their order before disappearing into what is likely the kitchen. The other patrons in the room barely acknowledge your group, a sign perhaps that travellers of your ilk are a common sight in establishments such as this. 

Corrigan eventually emerges from outside and heads over to Ishaz for his payment, before ordering a mug of ale and sitting with the mercenaries at a large table beneath a mounted owlbear head.

"Well I don't know about you all but I'm ordering food before they run out." Conor heads over to order as the three mercenaries have done at the earliest opportunity, he orders a hearty meal if offered a choice and an ale to drink - waiting at the bar, looking back out across the tavern, not near anyone but not conspicuously removed from the other patrons either.

Galius will sit near to the two men having a debate and order dinner and a drink from the waiter boy, while attempting to listen in on their conversation.

14 2 perception 

(heck with it, i’ll Use the Inspiration) 4

Quote from nschrock >>

Galius will sit near to the two men having a debate and order dinner and a drink from the waiter boy, while attempting to listen in on their conversation.

8 5 perception 

(heck with it, i’ll Use the Inspiration) 2

Galius struggles to listen in on their conversation over the sounds of talking elsewhere in the tavern. As he inclines his head to better hear; one of the scholars, who you now realise is a young woman beneath her hooded robes, notices and frowns. After that, the conversation is muted, as they make an active effort to be a little quieter.

The only phrase that Galius managed to glean from the conversation before the decrease in volume was "-the shipwrecks are nothing but a fable".

[OoC]: For anybody unfamiliar with the inspiration mechanic in 5th edition, it works in a different way to bardic inspiration. It is basically a one time free advantage that you can use on a skill check, saving throw or attack roll (essentially any time that you roll a D20). In my IRL sessions I hand out poker chips to represent inspiration, but on D&D Beyond there is a checkbox to the left of your health points to show that you currently have it. nschrock, since you already rolled twice for your Wisdom (Perception) check, we'll assume that you expended it.

Galius will give a sort of embarrassed grin. 

“You caught me! I’m sorry for being nosey, but I didn’t mean to be rude. Let me make it up to you with a drink.”

Galius will order them each a drink and go back to eating. He’ll try to eat quickly.

Quote from Laserwhit >>

Arc watches as Riannis examines him.  He then addresses Azrael again "I am grateful for your statement of solidarity towards me.  If you are in trouble I will also come to your aid.  It is nice to have friends in times of need."

"Thank you " Az replies. "Friends...I find are the biggest thing I missed growing up," she adds but does not elaborate.

Once at the inn Az takes the key from the seafolk and looks to Valen, Conor, and Alexia.

"Sleeping arrangements can be discussed after dinner it's yes," she says with a soft smile.

Az then moves to order her meal admiring the surroundings.

Lucina ends up sitting near Galius, being fine without eating or drinking anything at the moment. She watches Galius try to listen in to the conversation a bit amused and doesn't speak up at all.

Quote from nitemarereality >>

Lucina ends up sitting near Galius, being fine without eating or drinking anything at the moment. She watches Galius try to listen in to the conversation a bit amused and doesn't speak up at all.

 Galius shrugs at Lucina and after inhaling another bite of food ”maybe some music will loosen people up in a bit.” He says with a wink.

Valen pockets 4 of the coins that Ishaz paid out, but hands the other 10 back to the barmaid, "Warm company deserves warm welcomes. Please, a pitcher of ale for each table and group that will have it." He'll then take a seat as close to the fire as he can, draw his prayer book, and keep an ear out for any interesting bits of conversation to join.

(Im not sure how many groups/tables are present, but I figure referencing the PHB at 4sp per pitcher is a good mark to start. That'd buy 25 pitchers at the most :) )

For reference, prices are as follows (Barmouth is renowned for its Vintners Guild, so the local stock is quite wine-focused):

Alcoholic Drinks 

• Mug of Stuhberg Ale: 5 copper shines
• Pitcher of Stuhberg Ale: 4 silver stars
• Mug of Foarish Mead: 4 copper shines
• Bottle of local Merlot: 10 gold suns
• Bottle of local Cabernet Sauvignon: 11 gold suns
• Bottle of local Pinot Gris: 10 gold suns
• Bottle of local Riesling: 11 gold suns
• Bottle of local Zinfandel: 9 gold suns

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Herbal Tea: 2 copper shines
• Lemon Juice: 2 copper shines
• Water: -

Food

• Roast Chicken and Vegetables: 5 silver stars
• Foarish Beef Curry: 6 silver stars
• Pumpernickel Bread: 4 copper shines

Alexia nods at Az's words about sleeping arrangements, then quietly gets some chicken and vegetables, as well as a mug of tea. She sits at an empty table near the fire, studiously focusing on her food.

Riannis, who went invisible the moment we entered the inn, zooms over behind Valen and starts reading his prayer book over his shoulder.

Riannis Stealth: 27