You all find eachother again at the end and lounge away you're time with chatter and found. Once the sun sets a knock is heard at the door of the inn. The inn keeper answers and talks with someone briefly before letting them in. A male sheild dwarf with a thick salt and pepper beard dressed in fine silks enters the inn and makes a b-line to you're group. He seems to look you over disapprovingly before saying I am Amrath Mulnobar, Castellan of our Lords keep. They have sent me to escort you up to the keep. It seems they have come to an agreement to meet with you. If you'll follow me we shouldn't keep the masters waiting. 

Narz spares the group one last look, before turning back and nodding to the dwarf. "Indeed we shouldn't. Best we be off, eh?" He stands up brushing his hands together, then made a move to grab his crossbow to have secured to his back. However, the hobgoblin stops midmotion and looks to the dwarf. "Your masters, they... didn't make any special requests did they? Not that I don't trust'em or folk in town, but I'd feel naked without my bolter here." He admits earnestly. But had Amrath insist they leave such things behind, Narz would frown, but acquiesce knowing he had plenty of far deadlier weapons but a few words away.

(OOC: No solid plan atm. But hoping it can be assumed at some point during the idle time that there was some mental discussion of a plan, but nothing necessarily concrete. Just from a narrative perspective if crap goes down and any 'negotiations' seem to fall part, the group is less likely to trip over their own feet.)

Torsus had been in the middle of eating whatever had been brought to the table most recently, and washing it down with a mug of water when the salt n pepper dwarf shook his way through the door, and salted his expression before peppering the group with a breif, brusque request to follow him posthaste. And for a moment, Torsus sat there, finishing his drink before nodding. Aye. Let us be off then. And now now Narz, we should be more polite towards our.... I believe in this case you would be considered a chauffer or escort? he says, and it's clear enough that he meant it not as a jab, though his former comment about being polite was said to Narz in jest, and in some way hoping to earn some of this salty dwarf's favor.. just in case it would benefit him later if this wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

Regardless, he lifted himself from the table, and took a quick stock of his trinkets and carryables to make sure if nothing else, that he could cast his spells, as he prepared to follow the dwarf.

Amrath stops in his tracks and scratches his beard at Narz's reminder. Ah yes, there was one thing.Turning around  points a stubby but well manicured finger towards Claire. This one is to leave her Holy symbol and any other equipment used for casting spells behind. Weapons can be kept so long as there's nothing holy about them. But any priests water or incense should be left behind as well. 

Narz gave a small smirk and appeared to at least play along with Torsus "admonishment". But at Amrath's request the hobgoblin raised a brow, then glanced over to Claire. "Fer the sake of keeping the peace. And if you want, you can leave it with Vigo, and he'll keep a good watch over it." He said aloud in assurance. Although had such had come up over the planning period before, and she had a spare amulet to pass along, then in the bag of holding it would've went when the party weren't obviously being observed. 

Claire nods and passes her holy possessions over to Vigo.  ”I’ve no clams about disarming myself- the lords’ caution towards me is understandable.”

Amrath stares at you confused for a moment, muttering to himself Clams? Clams, clams, qualms?  Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he waits for you to be properly disarmed before leading you again out of the inn. 

Going through the town you're immediately struck by how much more 'lively' it is at night, with a large portion of the towns undead population now wandering around many of whom stop to look at the towns rare visitors. The Dwarf continues on through the town and towards a path leading up the nearby Cliffside to the keep above. The doors to the imposing stone structure open on their own as you approach. Please leave your weapons as the door and then head the sitting room on the left. I will announce your presence to the Lords and fetch you momentarily. I had some tea and coffee prepared in case you were so inclined. 

Amrath takes his leave leaving you at the entrance to the sitting room which is furnished with fine leather furniture and dusty old bookshelves. On a wooded table lay several cups and two large pots filled with coffee and tea as well as smaller containers containing sugar, cream and honey.

"Ooo, I've never had coffee..." Claire says as she goes to try some coffee.  "Bleyk!  Bitter!" She complains, before adding a generous bit of the sugar and cream.  "Good flavor, though," she remarks.

Torsus wasn't sure if his wand would be considered a 'weapon' or not once they reached the sitting room, but he knew that without it there would be few spells he could cast.

He considered for a moment, and waited for their escort to be gone, before he cast Minor Illusion over the area his wand was at, first slipping his actual wand into one of the lower pouches of his pack, before then using the illusion to make it seem like he had detached it from his hip and places it on the ground.. maintaining the illusion there until he leaves to the sitting room proper.

While Torsus had no intention of causing trouble,  he couldn't fight like Claire or Narz. He wasn't born a caster, he'd cheated his way to his power... and he would be far more crippled than any caster normally would without it..

As such, when he sat down, and finally let the illusion fade so that no one could accidentally find out it was such he scratched inside his shell, making sure his dart of warning was especially active.

Finally looking to Claire and mentally speaking to her before his eyes passed over the drinks as if considering..

[Mind speak] "Claire... potential poisoning or other sabotage of the drinks aside.... these beings are.. undead, meaning that their rotting flesh may have been lightly or heavily involved in touching any part of it.. including the liquid.. take care you don't get a disease or infection."

Claire halts mid sip and shifts her eyes over to Torsus for a moment before checking herself; she probably shouldn't be acknowledging it when he speaks with his telepathy.  Carefully she lowers the cup to its saucer, then looks around for a place to possibly dispose of the coffee currently in her mouth.  If there's any potted plant, or even unoccupied vasery or such, she considers spewing it in there, but ultimately resolves to send it down the hatch.  After a few moments of evaluating her own health after partaking, her worry subsides.  Depending on how long they are made to wait, she begins absent-mindedly drinking more as they loiter.

The proverbial handoff to Vigo would've had to take place at the stables; but, following an added word from the Hobgoblin in his native tongue, the Worg grumbled but nodded his acceptance, before ultimately making room for Claire to add her things to his stall. Then with that the group were off!

In spite of himself, Narz had been unable to keep from doing a bit of light gawking at the residents. A small part of him remained a skeptical in their supposed intelligence, as far too many who've managed to retain any in undeath trended towards the delusional. Or so past studies in the field had eluded too! But such in turn had made him all the more curious, and even appear about ready to diverge from following just try and conduct some interviews.

His better sensibilities win out each time, and soon enough he's more pointedly kept his eyes forward for the duration of the trip. At the request upon their arrival there's a narrowing of the eyes, as not minutes ago the dwarf had been fine with them with some exceptions. But he said nothing before the dwarf departed, and appeared to be running some mental calculations before simply nodding inwardly at something. His maul and crossbow he'd leave as requested, as neither were as comforting a 'fit' anyhow as they were once were in his hands.

Any other items that could be construed as a weapon -- such as his focusing rod and... really just that, he'd long since secured in the bag of holding even before their escort arrived to pick them up. Although the robe he wore... they wouldn't know the patches had some enchantment on them, would they? A troubling thought that made his lingering at the door while the others moved on although more awkward. But eventually he just huffs before briskly making his way into the sitting room. Once seated and without anything else to occupy his mind, drinking the coffee never even enters the hob's mind as steepled his fingers and lost himself in thought.

You're not left waiting terribly long but its still enough time for a cup or two of coffee and counting the flagstone on the ground before Amrath returns. The Lords of the Hunt will see you now. If you'll please follow me. The dwarf leads you from the sitting room and through an antechamber which leads to a large room decorated with multiple trophies of hunts past. The earlier trophies show casing mundane creatures such as impressive stags, boars and bears, but become more exotic and in some cases, disturbing as you continue. The head of devilish creature with snakes for a beard decorates the wall while on the otherside a unicorn is mounted for display, its horn maininging some glimmer of magic even in death.  At the far end of the room on a raised stone dais sit your hosts who look upon you with mixed expressions, as far as you can discern from their rotting flesh anyway. In the Center sits Sir Gerrit, with Hubert and Gilroy to either side recognizable by Claire. The two you don't recognize, Lady Dene, who is wearing blue and gold robes that somehow manage to still be opulent despite their decrepit state, and Lord Cane, who looks disinterested in your presence. 

My Lords and Lady, I present you with the Outsiders to our village, Narz, Torsus, and Claire. 

Sir Gerrit waves off the dwarf impatiently, not seeming to care for the formalities. Thank you Amrath, that will be all. Lady Claire, it is good to see you. I take it these were the comrades you mentioned. I assume they did not come here unaware of our, condition. If so I apologize if this comes as a shock. But let's get straight to buisness yes? We have recently dispatched a fire giant which was trespassing on our land. You wish to try to speak to the creatures spirit in order to perhaps learn some information that will be of use to you. The kill belongs to Lord Cane, thus the trophy belongs to him as well. Lady Dene's magic would be needed in order to speak to this creatures spirit. The five of us have discussed it and agreed to allow you this opportunity. However Lady Dene has a request before she will agree to assisting you.

Yes yes, its so rare that we have living guests! I was hoping to use this chance to test out a few experiments I've been working on. Our pact prevents me from experimenting on tbe locals and my comrades here don't tend to bring back living subjects. But you are alive, and not bound by the pact. A few harmless experiments seems a small price to pay for our, or rather, my, aid. You'll be helping advance the field of magic and alchemy, which really should be its own reward.

At the mention of alchemy Claire perks up, suddenly considering that this ‘price’ may be a win-win situation.

“With all due respect I do not believe there was any discussion of ‘conditions’, other than the fact that it would be decided whether we would be treated as game or guest, of which we were certainly aware.  That aside, I’m not unwilling to help with this research you speak of.  I personally happen to have an interest in learning and studying alchemy, and this sounds like an opportunity to work with an expert… I don’t think you’d mind if I ask the details of this experiment, naturally,  out of self preservation?” Claire inquires.

Oh nothing too dangerous dear. I just have a few experimental spells and potions that need testing. Our dear, loyal Castellan would usually volunteer, but he seems a bit cross with me since the last potion I gave him turned his beard green. 

The dwarf grumbles under his breath Green bearded dwarf. Of all the stupid things, crazy old bag.

Torsus had half of Claire's reaction for himself. The part about additional terms not being agreed upon, but as Claire effectively volunteered to be a Guinea pig herself... that more or less solved that specific concern.

And as Torsus was all for self preservation himself.. thoughbto a far greater extent. 

"Ah yes, well... if Claire is willing to do it then it seems we have a deal." Torsus says, making sure to interject that statement before they can add 'all 3 of you' or some such. 

"And I am not bothered by your uh... state of existence so long as you are friendly, so shall I be. And yes. I am unsure of how much of our goal you are aware of, but we seek to end the giant threat. 

Now forgive me for presuming your ignorance, but the fee we've spoken to have made it abundantly clear that you don't get many visitors. As such you may not be aware, however giants are attacking cities and settlements all over the sword coast. For what reason, we are not entirely sure, but we mean to put an end to their trespassing entirely. That is why we need this information" he said to them all.

Narz brushed his beard and appeared genuinely intrigued by the request. Although there is an absent-nod in agreement to Claire's concern, a subtle frown yet played at his lips at Lady's Dene dancing around the subject, if only just, on the actual expectations of the test bare minimum. He eventually side-eyes Torsus with a questioning look, as if to ask for the Tortle's opinion, be it via the link or bluntly spoken aloud. As fate would have it, the latter came about in the end. And if he was surprised in the Tortle doubling down on Claire paying the bill, it hadn't shown on his face in any way.

Instead, he looked back to Dene and said calmly, "Forgive me for saying this, Lady Dene, but we would still need to know at least just 'how few' these experiments are. For as far as we know, what we expect to be no more than three or four could be from your perspective as high as ten. And with the promise of the Giant Threat only increasing over time now that winter has broken, I fear we cannot stay in town overly long." Narz explained. "And if it's alright, I would like to hear at least the rough goal of these experiments if one had turned your servant's beard green."

Lord Hubert waves the concerns about the giants off and scoffs. What occurs outside the boundaries of our lands is of no import to us. If any tresspass on our lands they will be hunted like the prey they are. The rest does not involve us.

Lady Dene meanwhile shurgs and looks a bit dissapointed after hearing about your short stay. Such a shame. I had hoped to do some observations and tweaks if necessary. The potion that turned our dear Castellons beard green had been intended to be a treatment to encourage hair growth. I think that particular potion is coming along well however. It used to cause temporary blindness. But if you're not able to stay for long, I think we can settle for three potions to test. Theres one that should act as a mix of camouflage and magic armor. Ideally it will provide you with magical protection while also making you invisible. The second is more of a balm which should preserve your skin, making it more supple and soft. I'm particularly hopeful for that one. Lastly I'd like to test my advanced health potion. It was a pet project of mine a long time ago and well, immortality has a way of making procrastination a lot worse than it might be normally. 

"Hmm! All quite interesting to say the least! And, uh, if by any chance these test bear fruit, I hope you don't mind at least entertaining the possibility of, uh, further bartering for a spare potion or two, if any are yet or might be available 'fore our eventual departure from town." Narz asks with eyes practically set ablaze in his interest. He then looks away rubbing his chin in thought, before grimacing and cursing in goblin under breath. He then turns back to the gather undead and says, "Apology. Such words are fit for such company. But for a moment I consider volunteering to participate in the experiments as well. But I fear the recent stirring of my more... eh, 'unique' ancestry would only taint the results." Narz admits before turning to Claire. "All of that said Claire, are you still willing to bite the bolt on this one?"

Claire finds herself nodding before Narz even finishes his sentence, continuing her excited nods of approval even as he finishes.  "Oh yes... it's a shame we've met under the duress of this giant fiasco, otherwise I'd certainly stay for longer," she says, to both Narz and Lady Dene.  Then to Narz: "You seem as interested in these experiments as I am, but I still wanted to mention: if you want to interrogate the giant while I entertain Lady Dene, we might save some time completing the tasks simultaneously."  At the end of her sentence, she turns her head towards Torsus to include him, as although he didn't seem quite as eager about the experimentation, the giant interrogation was likely a priority for him. 

Lady Dene enthusiastically nods and says Oh most certainly. I've several experimental potions in need of field testing. I'd be happy to send you along with a few if you can report back eventually with the results. Ah but we can discuss the details later. For now I have you're verbal agreement to assist me, which will suffice. Shall we get straight to the task of speaking to this giant of yours then? I've already taken the liberty of preparing the subject in the chambers below. While my fellow Lords all have a bit of magic I've always been much more inclined to spell casting, so I'm afraid I'm the only one who can cast the spell you'll need. Which is to say, I'm keen to fulfill my end of the bargain so you can fulfill yours.