OOC: Who's with Burgee?

Back at camp, Burgee and Minos search for nearby edibles to supply the travelers if they have to stay for an extended period. Never give up the ship, Burgee thinks to himself. With a perfectly good ship, the travels would be quicker, if not safer. He shrugs and continues searching for food. (Perception: 9,  Nature: 19)

Kauil, still shaken from the overall outcome, and even more again by the close call with that giant lizard thing, remains near the campsite. He trusts Burgee enough to know that he can let his guard down, however slightly, so he takes some time to regain his composure and pray. He approached a quiet spot where the sun shone through the trees and looked up into the heavens. Kneeling down he placed his rapier upon a small stone as he asked Aerdrie Faenya for her guidance and blessings.

Great White Lady of the Sky, hear me for I am silenced; Find me for I am lost.
I was but a quiet servant to you my goddess but by your grace I shall be your warrior.
Though I am here perched upon the earth, I swear my allegiance to your realm of the sky.
Lend me your strength and your wings and I shall stand against all who oppose you.
Take this vow and lead me where you may, for I now and ever am yours.

Era could only give a nod at the gnomes and thanked them for the information, the genasi choosing to fall silent again as she move her empty bowl and sunk back into her stool. It was difficult to focus on Gustav's conversation with the folk with what she learned of this man who was most likely her father, her mind going over what they told her about him as a frown spread itself across her lips. He wasn't a good man, she tried to tell herself to try and stop that little spark of hope from burning. He hurts people, he hurts innocent people, he would have hurt Minos, Nin, Gus... Wonder... Her eyes glance over to the little tabaxi. He would have hurt a child... No... He's hurt many children before, hasn't he? ...Would have have hurt her? If they hadn't escaped that ship, if they were captured, would he have hurt his own daughter? Would he even believe her?

Her expression goes blank. The usual happy-go-lucky Era was gone. Try again later.

Both gnomes would shake their heads in the negative at Gustav's questioning. No, no mount needed, but it does require a brisk pace to be kept. A mount?... uh? would probably.. depending on the mount of course... would halve or quarter that time frame. Though we do feel we should add.. the roads ARE safe, but that doens't mean a predator, bandit, or whatever won't still strike, it's just very unlikely, thanks to the patrols.

As Gustav hands over the letter, the female seems a bit perplexed You're seeking component pouches, yet I see no one who looks like they can cast a spell among you... atleast not that I can tell... I mean forgive my assumptions, it just seems odd.. .But anyway, we'll uh get this list to him right now... Pressing both her fingers to her temples, as if someone was extremely frustrated (though obviously she was not) and if anything, this would appear comical, she begins casting the Message Spell as many times as needed to get everything across. And after a few minutes, says Allrighty... message sent. And response given. He says he can have everything you requested within three days, and that it will take him a half day to get here, since he wont have any 'packages' with him.

Uh.. well.. as for threats, there are the Tyrannosaurs.... they're pretty mean and nasty.. and if you're unprepared... well... yeah. Then ouside the webs.. there are the Pteranadons, Pteradactyls, and other large lizards. Though there are also more insidious things out there.. some plants that take over your body, Pygmy peoples... uncivilized folk, etc. On the mountain, watch out for the Aaracockra, Giants, and such, who fight with eachother.. the cityfolk... and prettymuch everythign that isn't them. 

We haven't been to the right half of the Island so we cannot help you there.. just assume it's more of the same I guess? Sorry...  Beyond that, we don't know. Though there have been rumors of something happening in the north.... Zeins fiancee was taken away around the same time that a.. massive dragon  attacked the city some weeks ago.. which is likely why he called for aid, knowing he couldn't handle such a foe alone. It's the first time since this cities founding that I'm aware of that such a thing has happened. And there are rumors spreading that either the dragon is collecting food, or that there is some cult activity, stealing good folk to sacrifice to some unholy patron, but we don't know more than that. It's all rumors, other than the dragon attack itself... So we can't confirm or deny what you say... sorry... But yes, please pass that dream you had a long to him.. anything that might help, even if it's just rumor.

Back at camp, other than what Burgee and the slaves already found, there is little else nearby to find that hasn't already been collected. As Kauil begins to sing and pray in the fashion he does, light fills the area softly. Everyone that can hear him feels a little more at peace. Somehow, Kauil feels his request was answered, his patron silently acknowledging his prayer, as the light slowly fades. Though it will still take several days (3 for all the slaves, as previously mentioned) with time, he can find 'himself' again, through prayer, meditation, and perhaps some practical, practice combat with the group he now finds himself with. The day has begin to turn darker, as it begins to fade ever closer to the evening.

Ashes seems to pick up on Era's withdrawl, getting up as her husband spoke. Coming around the table, and giving the Genasi a hug.. if she wasn't pushed away, or denied in some other fashion. Whispering into her ear Now, I don't know what has you so upset. If it's that genasi thing... we don't assume all of them are the same. We're sure you're a really good person, I can tell just by how you're acting. Just remember dear, not everything is as it seems, fate and destiny can change on a whim. So whatever is bothering you, remember what I just said, and keep your heart strong. Because change can only come through perserverance. If not for me and my husband being here, Zein may have had no way of helping those poor slaves. If not for Zein, they may never have been helped by anyone. We'll never be able to entirely stop the flow of slavery here, but we're helping, a few people at a time. And it may not be much, but its somehting. Remember this.. every wave starts as a ripple.

The next few days will be uneventful for the most part. That Rex was just the dice being ********, lol, and within the web area, it's completely safe. Due to this, I feel it best to streamline this, in a way that allows for RP.

You may all roleplay what you do over the next 3 day period, which I assume will be 'training' your slaves, gathering information, etc. The Gnomes will keep anyone fed within the silken refuge. Anyone outside must feed themselves. You may collect Burgee, or keep the camp for whomever. 

If you speak to the gnomes, I will respond in that pocket of time. 

Feel free to RP the next 3 days however you wish. You can write a single post, broken up by lines detailing each day, and I will respond as nessecary. Or you can reply one post, for each day, if you want more interpersonal interactions.

As night falls, Burgee and the others at camp settle down and have a meal for the evening from the provisions they foraged washing it down with a little coconut milk. "'tis a fine meal, but I'd rather have the sea under me," Burgee says with the tone of a sailor. Then he and Kauil caw and sing as they discuss their backgrounds with one another. Burgee sharing that he'd been lost his family at a young age and told of his travels as a sailor, seeing many things, and learning about life on the water.  Kauil explained that he had lived a quite peaceful life in the mountains with his flock and had been captured as some outsider gang had invaded their nesting grounds, killing some of his family and disabling him during the skirmish. He was knocked unconscious while fighting a large orc-ish looking fellow. When he awoke, he was being held down by several others as they cut his wings. He'd passed out during that ordeal and awoke in the cage on the ship. He was not sure how long he had sailed, so could not describe exactly where his home land was in terms that Burgee understood. They commiserated about their loss of flight and their desire to reclaim it. Talking well into the night before they both simply fell asleep where that sat.

-----

The next day, the others still had not returned, and this began to concern Burgee and the others.  However, they decided to wait at least one more day so spent the day fishing and training with each other to learn new combat skills and discuss the days before. Kauil, continuing to gain trust in Burgee and the others, again found a place for prayer and sang his aviarial songs to the heavens. Though there was no temple to be found, he was slowly making a connection with his patron and his determination to right the wrongs done to his fellow slaves and any that came before grew ever stronger.  Burgee took time to study the runes on his staff. The old woman had given it to him and though he always assumed it just to be a simple staff, it seemed to contain something more. These symbols seemed to indicate the forces of nature, wind, and water. He was sure there was something more.  They continued to train until dark and made another meal of foraged foods. Kauil spoke, catching everyone's attention for he had bee quiet until then other than the conversations with Burgee. "We must seek the others tomorrow if they do not arrive during the night."  "Yes, yes, we must seek others," Burgee agreed along with the rest. "Era should not be gone so long. I worry," he added. They talked into the night making plans for their trek back through the woods to the gnome's hut, the last place they saw everyone.

---

As dawn broke on the 2nd day, Burgee and the others moved forward with their plan to find their companions.They packed what they needed from camp and set off down the trail back toward the gnomes hut.

As much as the two Tabaxi could see Era's troubled look, one couldn't approach to comfort without getting close to the goliath, and the other soon found himself wrapped right back up in conversation. 'Later, Gustav. There is always later... I hope' He thought before firmly affixing his focus on the gnomes again.

"Call some of those listed there a precaution. On the one hand, if guards show up suspiciously prepared to deal with wizards and the like, will know your friend has been compromised in some fashion. Either that, or we are very unlucky." Gustav chuckles. "Otherwise, it is as I said. Some of our lot are not prepared for truly hostile engagements. So if in the course of their development they awaken to one of the many spheres of magic, we will be best prepared to assist them in furthering their development. A win-win, in any regard." He explains nonchalantly.

"While news of such shortening is good to hear, acquiring said mounts will not be easy, to say the least. And that's not even considering said patrols taking a keener interest in us then otherwise desired, faux-brand or no brand." Gustav tugs at his chin fur a few times, then shakes his head. "Overall good news for us. Not the cult thing, or kidnapping and... so on. *ahem!* But the knowing has already improved our lot. And for that, I think I can speak for all of us when I say you have our most sincere thanks. May your goodwill and faith in us be returned in kind. If I had but one other question in mind, it is.... the matter of your spiders. I do not suppose there is anything you can give or pass along that would make returning here a little easier in future? Would not wish to wind up as that flying lizard earlier, if can be avoided, you know?"

After all is said and done, Gustav lingers only long enough for the others to finish their collective meals. Wonder mostly lost her appetite. But, she finished what was given before curling up next to the older Tabaxi to sit and think. If Gustav passively notices the exchange between Era and Ash, it never shows and he purposefully looks away to engage her husband in some inane chatter about the seasons on the island. The same thing happens either which way, but with the aged Tabaxi taking much more keener interest in the conversation.

Soon after, he at least bids his goodbyes, promising to return shortly with the other happy campers wanting a safe haven at the price of the mark. In spite of trying to subtly leave Wonder behind following a wordless signal to have her recieve the mark as well, Gustav makes it no more than five feet before noticing the added weight on his shoulder had nothing to with guilt. "You are a stubborn lass. You know that right? I cannot promise the same protection with such beasts about a second time." She merely glares at him, drawing a sigh out in return.

"Truk, if you could escort us back. It would appreciated. We will be back soon Era." He says on his way out. Whether they decide to or not, he again doesn't press the issue. From the sounds of things the two were safe being more 'humanoid' then 'monstrous'. As much as Gustav wanted to be true to his word, traveling any more than night promised unspoken dangers. So, upon arriving at camp, and seeing the two bird folk passing along stories while the rest did their own thing, he passed along the discovery. However, there are many points he play senile and tries to get Wonder to tell the tale. Skeptical and still leery about talking, she says only one or two words at most in answer....
Then five....
Then a whole sentence...

Before rest find those not set on watch duty Wonder had taken to rapping a few bars following Gustav's example during the trip. (Performance: (3)4(plus bardic inspiration from Gustav). She is... it's not good. Not even close to Gustav's quality. But he doesn't stop her until Nin complains about bad puns, and even the Lizardfolk get in things in their own tongue, turning the performance into a mess. Even then, Gustav tries to console her whispering, "It was a good try, little one. But you must find your own way. Haiku, perhaps even?" Distraught, she can only nod mutely before burying herself in covers to avoid meeting anyone's eyes.

(Don't know if we're getting a free pass over the next 3 days, but safe to assume Gustav will make sure that someone is /always/ on watch. If you need specific times, let it be known when you got the chance)

The next morning and true to his word, Gustav quietly returns to the web dome with at LEAST Gus and Nin behind; willing volunteers for the mark. All seeing the practicality of it, if but for different reasons. Unlike Nin who immediately after the marking asked for where he could sleep outside in some peace without getting chomped on by spiders, Gus through translation from Gustav sought to learn what the Gnomes knew of communing with the spiders. Even if their means prove to be of the arcane variety, he is no less enthused by the prospect. All in hopes of putting at least some of it to practice in expanding his connection to the wilder things. 

As Gustav couldn't remain, he eventually opens up enough to speak, but only when absolutely necessary. Whether he means to or not, Gus' training eventually disturbs Nin enough he pats Truk on the shoulder and says, "Hey. Not good with words, so I'll be straight with ya. Your big, but... how in the nine did you shrug off some of those blades earlier like they were nothing?" 

Meanwhile(unless needed elsewhere), Gustav, Wonder, and Ka return to the original campsite meaning to further fortify the place with some simple traps and snares. Maybe even move it a little further away from any known roads, but not so far away that traveling to and from the spider dome would be more hassle than worth. Over the course of it the trio find themselves deeply involved in varying degrees to the creation and undoing of snares, as well as hiding them. Wonder didn't get all the intricate parts, but her enthusiasm to learn never abated. For all his clipped response and simple view, Ka picked up quick on lessons from Gustav; especially on how, from his perspective as trap finder, would navigate them.

Over time as they work, Ka tells the story of how him and Gus came to be captured first by Orcs on a hunt, rescued by adventurers by happenstance, then... subsequently handed off to the slavers through duplicity over taking a 'shortcut' back home. A lie Ka encouraged his brother to believe, and one regret never forgotten upon learning the truth.  Lizardfolk don't get upset. But the story, simply stated though it was, stirred something in wonder. Though fearful of putting her thoughts to word again with encouragement from an watchful Gustav, she tries again, summoning for brief moments through sheer force of will and song(Performance: (6)26(plus bardic inspiration from Gustav).a small Will-o-wisp between them.  However, what started as one soon grew into two, then three, then several more bloomed into being, fluttering about the group in a strange dance.

Shocked by her efforts, Wonder fainted into the arms of a confused Ka and to the sound of a laughing old Tabaxi. "Knew she had the spark."

(Don't know if the bit about spiders having food problems -- assuming that was part of what been overheard -- was ever passed along. But, I assume not. If Era would like to try remedying that with some goodberry juice though, then maybe should? I will post the third and any follow-up second day stuff later today if I can.)

The hug was a surprise honestly, shaking Era from her thoughts to listen to what Ash was whispering... And it almost brought tears to the genasi's eyes. She sounds like mom... Era quietly sucks in a shaky breath to compose herself. There will be a time for you to cry, Era, not right now, she told herself mentally and pulled away from the hug with a soft genuine smile. It was a change from the normal beaming ones she often sported, but it was a smile nonetheless.

The next few days was a blur for the druid; she spent most of the day attempting to accept what was heard of her father, thinking up scenarios of their reunion, even acting them out (with a nearby tree acting as her dad) when she found herself alone, but most of them ended in a fight. She wasn't even sure he remembered she even existed and if it had ever crossed his mind that she would look for him. 'Would she be proud of me?' She'd imagine him think. 'Is what I'm doing wrong?' Yes, she would furrow her brows, it was very, very wrong...

Minos had caught her acting these scenes out twice, both being on accident when he came to get his marking. He wasn't too sure if he should ask of the issue or not, seeing as that tree was getting a tongue lashing at how slavery was bad and how it should stop what it was doing. He agreed but... He had no clue what the **** she was going on about and why she was doing it. Eventually, when Era had given everyone a berryand wandered off to do Gods knows what, he offered to come with, in which, he slightly regretted it.

"I don't know what to do, Minos," She cried softly. "I know where he is now but I don't wanna meet him! I mean I do, but what if he sniffs us out?"

The minotaur had listened to her vent as they walked, giving her idle 'mhmms' and grunts which seemed to be a good enough response for the woman to continue venting. He had practiced a few spells during their down time (borrowing Era's component pouch when needed), now trying to produce a dim white ball of light from his hands as a glowworm wiggled and danced in his palm.

"--And I'm so confused about it, I haven't even been paying attention to your magic!" She wailed. "I'm an awful friend--"

"Era, please," He gruffed and stopped walked causing her to stop as well. "This is eating at you too much, it's... Unnerving seeing you not... Happy. Did you expect your father to be a humble old genie waiting for your return?"

"Yes!" She sniffed and wiped at her wet cheeks.

"Well... That's... Not how life works." The words were slow coming out of his mouth, unsure if that was the right thing to say at the moment. He never was good with this stuff. Women were difficult, especially in this state. "I didn't expect getting captured, nor did I think I would even be alive at this point... Life is unpredictable Era."

Era frowned as she continuously had wiped her face clear of tears... And brought herself to hug the minotaur tightly.

They stood there for a few moments in silence as Era tried to better compose herself.

After returning from their walk Era seemed to be in better spirits now, her smiles coming on her face more easily than before, not as cheeky as usual, but they were genuine, not forced smiles, which mattered the most.

The three days pass like a blur, it's been who knows how long since any of you got any true peace. And real time to relax. Truk more or less watched his friends during this time, having no slave to train up to be it's own man or woman in their own right. He enjoyed the company of the Gnomes, feeling they were good people. In wonder he watched these being grow rapidly ... it was odd how quickly they were picking things up, even if they would still be novices at their crafts initially. The Gnomes are happy to serve though they've never had this many guests of such large size in a long time - meaning their meals were always meager portions that though filling, always left that single corner of the stomach begging for more.

Truk helped them around the outside of the house, as needed, and the Gnomes told Gustav that they wouldn't need to worry about that. The spiders are magically enhanced of intelligence, and can recognize prey from friend. Noting that the spiders primarily eat the more.. leathery creatures who would normally prey on them thanks to living more like a hive, and less in solidarity. Occasionally, a plaintive moan, or threatening roar would echo through the jungle, chitters and jabbers echoing around in various places. But nothing threatened anyone within the silk dome. And luckily, any passage between the camp and the silk dome was more or less uneventful. Very likely the presence of that Rex had scared away most predators for a while, and most of the herbivores avoided the area as the saltwater from the ocean wasn't something their bodies could digest, leaving the area between the silk done and the beach unsettlingly 'dead' but also showed why that route was so vital.

Some of you struggled with inner demons, questions, and doubts, while others dealt with charming, but stubborn kittens. Others yet more shared their tales of sorrow for a loss, and the dream to reclaim it as they had reclaimed their faith. During this time, Gustav suffered another vision, similar to the first. In a void that spanned for all eternity, in what felt like the past, present, and future were compressed into a singular entity that had existed since before even time immemorial stood there, gazing at the old cat with a Hatred that burned - But that hatred applied to all that the being had not consumed, it desired the special spark that every living being to be within its gluttonous gullet, and even when it devoured all things, it would still not be satisfied. Truk was there.. in his vision... the unholy being turned it's attention to him, with a thin-ganged smile..... This woke Gustav up in a cold sweat. Truk helped spar with some of the slaves, helping them improve their combat efficiency, at least insofar as a large man could, while Gustav helped those of lighter foot. The Gnomes told the would-be druid of how their magic worked, unfortunately it was arcane.. but perhaps in time he would find his own way to do something akin to it. 

All of the slaves have trained enough to become level 1 adventurers of their proper class. They do not gain any exp from the rex encounter, however, you all do, as you've had time to rest, and relax, and think back on things, you all gain 3900 EXP. 

Given so much time to rest, Burgee, having studied his stave between bouts of random karaoke, and other such things with Kauil, would come to realize that the staff was more precious than he ever knew. It was a variant wand of the Warmage, with all it's benefits. And as Burgee dug deeper, he could feel a singular, powerful spell stored within it. THe spell Storm of Vengeance though he could also tell there was some sort of lock on it. Some condition that would need to be met... And Burgee remembered an old conversation she had had with him about his potential, and the dangers therein. About responsibility, and sacrifice. For with all things so desired, an equal sacrifice must be made - because nothing in this world is free. Not even the birds in the sky.

Burgee could feel her thoughts wash over him, whispering in his ear that he would find his hearts desire, the thing that he wanted most would come to fruition, he would, in fact, suceed if he tried his best. But to be aware, that it would happen at great cost, at great loss. And that his choices were his test, and his trial.

Era knew that soon, her own goal would be met. But this now had a dread shadow behind it. Filled with uncertainty as to what would come of it. Would it be good? bad? She had come to terms with it for now. Her father, as much as she knew, was a horrible person, but why? Why here? Why now? Why did he go? She knew these answers were all just a few dozen miles away. But that city.. was on his side.. mostly. These thoughts failed to penetrate Era's newfound resolve, but they danced within her head like a plague nonetheless. A plague she could ignore easily enough - But for how long? Was there anyone she could turn to? or anything?

Finally as the sun rose, and the heat never abated, even the nights were getting warmer. The sounds of smaller birds could be heard in the distance, they knew better than to get caught by the webs. A soft breeze bringing with it only the barest of comfort against the muggy conditions. A man began striding up, in the most brilliant armor any of you had ever seen. It was primarily a soft yellow, with a golden filigree annotating every curvature of his armor in a brilliant blaze. On the mans hip was a sword of similar description, and strapped to his arm, was a rounded shield, larger than most. His entire armor looked like it was on fire with the morning sun... as if it was the morning sun.A heavy, plate mask covers most of the mans face. Strapped to his back, is a large sack,  full of something that could not be discerned. So... who are you?

When the dreams came again Gustav thought himself ready them. While he could not get both Wonder and Truk to share a sleeping space, the old cat managed the closest thing, and drew strength from the knowledge of having "family" nearby. An estranged one made of strangers for the most part, but family all the same to the formerly retired adventurer. And while not the most devoted of Oghma's followers, the understanding he felt they shared too became a strength to draw upon during the last moments into sleep. Thus, he faced the hatred with all the insolence of a Tabaxi expecting to die horribly, but standing defiant against the void all the same.

Whatever pride welled up in his chest swiftly died in sensing the gaze turn upon a reflection of Truk. 'No... No... nono... Not a--' He snaps awake to the feeling of Wonder trying desperately to slip out of his grasp and the closest thing to his people's equivalence of a cold sweat. Eventually calms enough to release her. But try as he might, he couldn't go to sleep. Not on his own. Not even waking Truk up to make sure he still lived. Catching on, a tired but worried Wonder took to petting his head until the rest of the tension died and sleep claimed him.

When Era returned from her walk at least appearing chipper than usual, Gustav from out of the blue pat her on the head, then walked away without much of a word. Meanwhile, when not occupied Guss and Ka work together to finish prepping the leather and fangs into weapons. Lacking however in more specialized supplies to complete the work, the duo secure and leave the rest to be finished for later.

Gus, who was in the process of carving a totem, and a half-asleep Nin watches nearby bored both look up at the new shadow, then promptly lower their gaze. A move tutored and practiced over the past few days when time premitted it. Of Gustav, Ka, and Wonder...

Gustav's Stealth: 24.
Ka's Stealth: 12.
Wonder's Stealth: 15.

Of the trio who, in arriving early with the intent to pick up Gus and whoever else happened to be around for discussion on taming some mounts, Ka proves to be the weakest link in a hurried attempt to hide among the taller section of fauna within the web dome. Seeing this, Nin tries to cover up the rustling by coughing fitfully into the back of a fist. "The, uh... Master and Mistress spiders can get restless." The rather rotund bugbear lies with... (Deception: 3) all the smoothness of the most prickly of cacti. He grins toothily as if it help things, while Gus knocks on the wood of the Gnome's porch, alerting them and anyone nearby that might be distracted doing other... thinigs. 

Era had been in the midst of communicating with the gnomes spider friends when the man came to their camp, the genasi giving a pat on the head to the giant insect before bouncing on over to him. She gave him a look over, muttering small comments to herself followed by loud 'hms' and 'ahs', and if touching him didn't cause him to get defensive, she definitely was using a finger to follow the lines of the designs on his armor. "You're hot!" She'd comment with a smile. "Literally! How are you not dying in that armor? Isn't it, like, real hot in there? I hope you take it off. I don't wanna have you go through heat stroke, you know? That'd suuuuck." She chatters on, taking a step in front of him and extending her hand outward. "My name is Era! Nice to meet you, mister..." She leans a bit forward waiting for him to continue on and give her his name.

As Burgee studied the runed staff, he became aware of the power within. Feeling something even stronger but not quite able to understand that portion yet. He recalled the lessons that the old lady taught him and thought of the sacrifices he may have to make to find his prize. But he would make them, he must fly again. Right?  He pondered her teachings and his feelings as he and the slaves made their way to the others at the gnomes home. He and the party arrived shortly before the visitor. Burgee was just about to greet Era and make sure she was well when he walked in an she began acting so... well... Era.  Burgee chuckled a bit and shook his head thinking, This should be good.

(will be posting some time tomorrow. Sorry for the delays guys)

Posting soon. Again, sorry for the delay. Between comicon and some other negative life events I was delayed posting here.

The brilliantly armored man who had come into the Gnomes place of living, greeted first by Era first. Taking off his helmet, revealing brilliant, short, blonde hair. More than a buzz, and less than loose and flowing. His eyes a deep, icy blue. His face was more round, and less sharp, but it was obvious, the man was strong of both body and will, though even through this, a shadow lingered in the back of his eyes. And the faint beginnings of stress lines formed at the corners of his eyes. He stared directly at Era for a long moment. Whether he was sizing her up, or something else was difficult to discern. Though, long before it became rude, he offered his gauntlet covered hand , while his other arm held the helmet in the triangle of his elbow, wrapped around it. Because both the light, and sun are my allies. I need not fear their wrath. And the pleasure, I assure you, is mine. As for my name. I am Zein, Paladin of Pelor, god of sun, light, strength and healing. I was told you were already informed of my coming, and the list of supplies was given to me. So forgive me Lady Era, I was under the assumption I was expected. Is this not so?

Even as they began to chat, Gus makes his way over to the gnomes couples door, knocking on it. Though as soon as the door was opened, the gnomes bolted staight past him, apologizing though, as they did. Making their way over to the Paladin. Ah, Zein! You're here even earlier than we expected! Did your morning prayers not last as long as usual? to anyone listening, it would seem like a playful jab at the man, but he only smiled in response before saying Indeed. Even as the seasons hasten, so does my prosthelyzation. For the Dawn only lasts so long. However, as I was saying to Lady Era. You need not worry yourself over my countenance. The heat here doesn't bother me. If anything, it provides me strength.

As we said, you're a plant! But no, enough jabbings! you're heavensent for this place. Without you.. I don't know how we would have saved so many.

Mm...Think nothing of it. It is my duty, my calling.. and my desired path. To bring justice to the defenseless, there is no greater calling in this world. But ah.. let me apologize again. I have brought the requested supplies, though I only see one person here. And not that I doubt your capabilities Lady Era, but I doubt all of this could be just for you?

The gnomes chuckle to themselves, before smiling broadly and hugging the leg of the tall man, atleast compared to them. Zeins eyes scanning over the area, attempting to see where everyone else he had been expecting was. Aside from the Gnomes, Gus, and Era of course.

(Burgee is visible as well having stayed out in the open and walked in after the man. And presumably Truk being not far behind the bird folks. Truk! Correct me!)

Guss merely brushes off the incident in typical lizardfolk fashion and joins Era's side to casually observe. Meanwhile, Nin cringes at the word Paladin. He, however, keeps quiet and goes back to lazing about on the spot. But either as a precaution or merely to habit, the bugbear drew the whip acquired from the slavers into hand, and left it resting on his gut with a hand overlapping it.

The trio hidden about the area take one last look around for any other visitors before rising nearly as one from any brush or the like. Althoough Gustav grins amicably, Wonder still regards the paladin suspiciously and keeps her handcrossbow out but lowered. For now.. And Ka... Ka had his shortbow out, but the base of it laid planted slightly in the ground and held there. A clear warning, but also a faint offering of trust. As no archer -- no matter how skilled -- could get into a quick fire pose from such a starting position before an enemy acted first.

"You are not wrong about that o' warrior of justice. And well met. I would apologize for the subterfuge, but we were warned to be leery of the other occupants of the island." Gustav explains, then nods to Ka. The black-scaled lizardfolk nods back, picks up his bow, and goes to keep a closer eye on things from the main access way into the spider dome from within it. As the aged Tabaxi then stepped up to offer the paladin a handshake, Wonder starts, then hustles over to follow just behind him, acting as some sort of honor guard. "On both my and no doubt everyone here's behalf, you have our most sincerly thanks for bringing them. I know that at least some of them were not the easiest to procure, and no doubt turned some heads." Although he smiles, there's something in Gustav's expression that gives away him trying to get a read on the paladin's reaction to his words, and even just mere proximity to a 'beast folk'. 

"The name is Gustav, by the way. I know. A strange name for a tabashii, but it is what it is." He chuckles. "And this little on is Eager Wonder, or Wonder for short. That is--" He goes on to name at least the former slaves followed him at the hip at times. "There is no doubt much that needs to be discussed now that you are here in person. But before we get there, another question... Have you heard of the grey network, and forgive me if this sounds rude, but... are you sure you were not followed this time around." 

"Ugh, dude, you're sounding like my summons. Please just call me Era!" She smiles brightly after giving him a strong handshake. "And, I mean, it could be all for me, who knows?" She sticks her tongue out playfully at him just before the gnomes and Gustav followed by Wonder came along. She allowed them to speak while the genasi jumped around and observed the man closer, very much interested in his armor. There were small comments here and there mentioning how shiny it was and how heavy it must be that she muttered to herself. 

Minos wasn't particularly hiding, at most just simply sitting behind some brush to practice his magic skills, managing to create three globials of dim blue light circling him. He paid no mind to the paladin, at most giving him a nod if he was spotted from his place. 

Wonder snickers, and Gustav simply snorts at Era's antics. "If listed some essentials, though admittedly they were aimed more at our comrades than ourselves. Though who knows, mayhaps if the previous supplies proves none to taxing, this can be rectified when in the city, yeah?" He smiles good-naturally at Era, glad to see much of her old self back again. But there remained a wariness behind the look. 

As  his attention on the armored one, Wonder eyes Truk and Burgee, wondering about their own reaction to the armored man. 

Burgee cocks one eyebrow as Era prances around the armored man and with a hint of jealousy in his voice he mumbles to himself in a perfect mimicry of the man, "Both the light, and sun are my allies. I need not fear their wrath. rah rah rah..." He takes a quick look to make sure he wasn't overheard by the man before introducing himself.

"Burgee be I, mate. What, tell, is your connection with these folks and these parts?"

Desperately exhausted. Will try to have a post up by today.

Ability scores: 15 9 15 12 14 9

 Zain furrows his brows at Gustav's question Grey network? No I'm afraid I've never heard of them..... You'll have to explain to me whom they are and what they do. Though based on the name alone they sound shady or at-least.. less than reputable.. But books and covers. And I have never once been followed. I'm a paladin. And as odd as this may sound, no one would suspect me to be up to anything because of it. There is no reason for them to follow me. But to assuage your concerns, I did make sure.

Then, turning to address Era again Apologies la... Era, it's.. how I speak.... I did not mean to... as Era finishes her sentence. Zein closes his eyes, and his cheeks turn rosy. Though still the epitome of a man, he was now a man caught unawares by her bluntness. A-And perhaps in due time Era. Circumstances may force such a situation... he says, a mix of embarrassment, and a touch of melancholy it was obvious what he was thinking about ..but I believe my wife is still alive... I've been given visions that attest to as much. Please understand, that until I am .. certain of her fate, I can even consider reciprocating your.. uh... Intents. it was clear he wasn't sure if she was being serious or not. Especially with your 'bubbling' around him, and inspecting anything and everything about him.. though it did bring back his spirits. and he cracked a smile.

Then returning his gaze to Gustav, he said I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. I brought everything you asked for, did I not? he moves to, then opens the bag, to check the contents, clearly going off a mental list.... It seems as though it is all there....

Either way, he would move a bit, likely still gettign gawked and toyed with by Era. Regardless, it was easy enough to tell he had no 'issue' with beastfolk. If anything, he just considered them another person.

Hearing: 18

 Luckily for Burgee, the paladin didn't hear a thing, until he was spoken to directly.  Ah! A kenku. Ive heard many stories of your peopels but this is the first time I've ever met one in the ..flesh i suppose. I have tremendous respect for your kind. Despite losing flight, you toil and work hard to keep pushing on. I admire that tenacity. If it were within my power, I wouldst grant your race their wings again.

Any other questions, or shall we settle in for the day. For we have much to discuss.