.. thanks, dad. It means a lot to hear that from you. Even a hardened soldier like me was worried you would be disappointed.

That makes two of us. I never thought I had the talent, and.. perhaps I still don't, and whatever this.. he says, flaring up one of the lines and spheres within ...is is some sort of middle ground. Or atleast that's what the giant said. Speaking of, Remember old Rom-ji? The giant that used to come trade wood here with the village? Taught a few of us to speak it too. I'm starting to think it might have been a good thing. Learning that skill could come in handy in the near future. finally taking his eyes off his mothers grave and back onto his still living father. Ha, yes, the Zhents are... one of the largest gangs in all of faerun, but they were up to no good. They were trying to take over this town we had just got done saving. And I just couldn't let that happen. But they might be out looking for me or people who know me. I doubt they'd pick a fight with the army, so that really just leaves you, the town here, and my friends inside.

And I had no intention of telling anyone about these 'experiments'  except you and my friends inside. Well and the giant who helped me learn how to control some spells a little better.  And I can't say for sure that they actually did. But with my memory as it is.. and the fact my C.O. and I were being chased by a large force before he.... died. It's highly likely. Atleast keep a suspicious mind if the army comes knocking, kay? he crossed hi arms, more out of comfort than anything else as he thinks on the rest of what his father said. And I'll see what I can do about keeping in touch, but give me some time after I head out cause I don't know for certain exactly where the future leads just yet.

As for.. advice. Well it.. involves Nadia. The elf that was with us; Nadia. See, it came to light recently that I apparently saved her before all the dung hit the chandelier. I had kinda been hitting on her before .... he paused, trying to think of the right words... and after a few long moments, he continued .. but I had forgotten it until recently. I have a hazy memory of it now, though all the faces are missing. But .. after finding out, I kinda jumped into bed with her - no, we didn't not that it wasn't on my mind..- but, I keep worrying that somehow I'm movign too fast like "Oh I saved you? Lets sleep together!" or like i'm taking advantage of it, or something. Maybe moving too fast. She seems to be fine with it, and she only really acts playfully if say.. I slapped her ass. But.... his eyes searching a bit... I dunno, Normally I don't have this problem. I'm fairly popular with girls but this is the first time I've ever really been concerned if I was doing somehting wrong. So.. should I .. keep things normal, or do you think I should pull back a bit?

After hearing the responses... he would nod quietly, and say We should get back inside before we both freeze to death, and.. I really do need to eat something bad.... he would, unless his dad had something else to say that would keep them there... start to move back towards the abode. Also who's at the Inn, someone I know? even as his father responds, Zack pulls out two of the gemstones he had gotten from Xolkin, his share... and places them in his fathers hand.

Each one of those is worth a hundred gold. Hire yourself some help.

Ah well. Then really do be careful. If these Zhents are as dangerous as they sound then you do everything you can to keep yourself safe. And aye I remember him, the old Giant hasnt stopped by in some time though. Wonder where he went off to. Anyway boy what did you need advise on? Your father listens carefully as you explain before letting out a hearty laugh. Well of course your a hit with the ladies, you take after your old man afterall! But I suppose what you gotta ask yourself is do you like her because she's pretty or is there more to it than that? Once you know that then I think I may know the culprit one way or the other. But think on it while we walk back. And no no one you know or I don't think so. Weird looking fella. Carrying around a staff with a skull on it so I hear. Probably trouble if you ask me but, well you know Godrick he ain't one to turn down coin.

Zack was somewhat disappointed by the answer, but that's how his old man always was...  It was something he'd have to think about or this sensation was never going to go away, or at least that's what he thought. And if he had to pin it on something, it would be more than just that she was pretty, she was one of the first women to not just immediately fawn over him, and all but trip over herself. If anything she was the first to actually treat him like any other guy, berate him for being stupid, when he was stupid. As he thought on that, it just expanded, even if only slowly. She was pretty special. Other similar thoughts fluttering in his head as he seemed to relax a bit. 

All of that worry that had caused him to hesitate before seemed to melt away. Thanks dad.. I think I figured it out then. But would it kill ya to give me a straight answer once in a while! he said slapping his old mans back, though with due caution for his age. And with that, they both headed back inside. As much as he wanted to stay near the grave, between his hunger, all the recent sad events, Zack had kind of had his fill of sadness for a while. That and he knew his mother wasn't suffering anymore. 

And I'll see what my friends think about checking it out. Apparently we're supposed to inevitably be where we need to be, so maybe he's a key.

Your father laughs to himself before saying Hehe, well if I gave you the answer then you wouldn't learn it yourself. He then looks down at the gems you gave him for the first time and starts to stammer. Son I can't possibly...I mean that's way too much gold. Well...I suppose I could use the help around the farm...well thank you son. You both wonder back to the cottage where Nadia and Nadaar have finished eating, having left enough for Zack to still get a decent meal. Well. As I just finished telling Zack you two are welcomed to stay here if you like, but I don't have spare beds. If you need a bed you can try the inn. If you prefer to save your coin then by all means you're welcomed here.

Before the pair enter the room they hear Nadaar finishing mirthfully lecturing Rillex on table manners, and how stealing from someone's plate broke some sacred covenant. "Hm? Hmmm... I would wish not to impose more than we've already have in any event. And thanks to a certain mutual friend of ours met prior, spending a bit of coin here and there is far from unwelcome." He chuckled, and rises out of his seat.

"But the offer is most appreciated. The name is Nadaar, by the way. I apologize for not properly introduced myself earlier. And if I may ask, would you know of any local provisoner's for travelers? Namely of the rations kind? In our haste to move on, we had erred in that way, if you believe it."

Zacks father reaches out a hand to greet you as you introduce yourself. It's clear from his body language he is a bit unnerved, likely never having seen a dragonborn before. But you came with Zack so it seems he is trying to put aside any initial unease. Tryce Fair, pleasure to meet the both of you. And really you wouldn't be imposing, I just feel bad I don't have much in the way of comfort to share. But if you need food for the road you'll be needing to see Godrick at the tavern anyway. He's got plenty of dried and salted meat, nuts and various other long lasting goods he keeps on hand to sell to travelers such as yourselves. He can also make a pretty decent meal out of fresher ingredients too so I'd reccomend getting your fill before you hit the road again. Seriously what were you folk thinking, traveling this time of year without proper provisions.  Gonna get yourselves killed if ya aren't careful.

Nadia had just finished her plate of food when the two entered the room, giggling quietly at Nadaar chiding Rillex on table manners. She gives a smile to Zack and his father before speaking, quietly taking note that his mother hadn't come with them, but she found it best not to pry. "Nadia Selwyn. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." She bows her head in respect towards him. "And I suppose it was just a... spur of the moment kind of thing when we decided to drop by, didn't think too much about food till the middle of travel, but I think we made it out rather well! But, yes, we really should drop by the tavern and restock ourselves before moving on. Thank you for everything, Tyrce. I can see where Zack gets his humbleness from."

Zack seemed sad about something, but he was keeping it very under control. Perhaps all that had happened before, and since the day some of his memories came back was dulling the pain. Or perhaps he was just glad that whatever the case, she was in a better place. He was still smiling as everyone finally had a proper greeting and he would nod in approval. As you all already know, this is my Dad. Dad, these are my friends. Nadaar can come off a bit gruff, but he's good when it matters most. And Nadia...Well.. she's... he leaned in to whisper, but wasn't actually saying anything, so any attempt to listen in would fall on unintelligible gobledygook. His eyes intentionally looking her way several times before pulling away, hoping his father would play into it.

And once more, his smile brightens back to it's usual. And it feels good to be back home. I've apologized to the man, and it seems he considered forgiving me. Since we will probably only be here overnight and a little through tomorrow.. the longest being maybe two days.. all things considered.... I think I'm gonna stay here for however long we are. And as he said... you're welcome to stay here or at the inn. Regardless, I intend to go down there before we go. Apparently  some strange fellow with a skull something or other is there and i thought back to what you guys said, about 'it being inevitable' and I figured that might just be our lead.

And dad.. I know it's not an excuse.... but well.. at the time we started to come here.. our method of travel wasn't exactly what we expected. We kinda flew here and it slipped my mind. If it makes you feel any better, I had given the rations I had to some people in need so, while it was foolhardy of me, I feel it was still the right thing. he says before finally taking a seat where he had prepared his plate before, and he dug in, but ate.. slowly. He seemed to be savoring more than just the food. And when he was done....

And Nadia, sorry for any awkward glances, and hesitation. A lot of things have been on my mind but my pops here helped set me straight with some good advice. So If I caused you to worry, it won't happen again! I just needed a bit of a hiding, and a different perspective. Speaking of.... Hey dad.... Just in case... do you still have ... he paused, and got up, t whisper in his dads ear, this time cupping it and speaking silently so as to not be overheard....

And unless anything else happened after that, he would nod to the both of the N's and say Anyway I think we should all get some rest. A couple days without eating properly can have some bad side effects.

Naadar didn't appear to be unnerved by Tryce's reaction. In fact, it was almost comforting knowing at least someone in the Fair family had the proper degree of wariness about them; even though it did not bode well for his future travels in the region. Later on, Nadaar finds himself sighing through his nose over the 'Gruff' comment, but brushed it off without conflict or comment. It wasn't entirely untrue, thinking back;especially given the last few days on the cloud. The mention of a some man with a skull elicited a raised brow ridge of confusion. But realizing rightly that Zack meant 'wielding' or 'holding in some fashion', the Dragonborn nodded silently in understanding.

Unless... did humans not have skul--Nadaar squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. 'Nope. Not imagining that one second more' He thought, before aloud saying as Zack took his seat to eat. "In EITHER case, come morning we can see to this Skull man of yours, if he's that much of a concern. But beyond it, I would rather not tarry for longer than if business here would be concluded. Still have one last promise to keep, after all." He said while petting Rillex' head towards the end. At least until the Tressym found it less endearing, and more conscending. Then after motioning for the cat scamper onto his shoulder, he adds, "Until then, it is the Inn for me. Lady Nadia. Will you be accompany back, or prefer to stay here?" He asked casually. Whether she does or does not, he nods, and take his leave back to the Inn.

And if at all possible that night, not only does he pay for second Dinner, he'll also see about purchasing some rations in advance with the intent to collect in them in the morning. And he puts extra emphasis on wanting it to be of the mostly dried and salted meats kind, plus a spare waterskin, if they should have it.

Nadia nods to Nadaar when asked about the inn. After their goodbyes they make the walk into what could loosely be called the center of town but is mostly dominated by the inn and a few empty stalls that locals use to trade produce to one another and the occasional traveler. The inn itself is easily the largest building in town boasting two stories, though the building itself is taller than it is wide. As you enter you find the place to be mostly empty, with only a few tables with chairs and stools resting upside down on the tabletop to indicate the table is closed for the night. It feels like this place would barely fit most of the town in the main bar/eating area and it would be pretty cramped at that. On the left side as you enter you see a staircase leading up, directly across from you is a small bar area. Behind the bar is a human male who looks like he's getting on in years, he has a thick mustache and a mop of graying hair. He is leaning against the counter pouring drinks for another man who is sitting at the bar. A human with a sullen, clean shaven face, he wears thick hides and furs and has a hide and fur hat sitting on the stool next to him. Leaning against the bar is a staff made of what appears to be rotting wood. Strung to the top of the staff is a human skull, minus the jaw. Don't be like that Yorick, it's been a long trip a few drinks are well earned. You hear no reply as the bartender just stares at him curiously. You worry to much my friend,  if you weren't usually good company I'd have left you were I found you. The bartender finally speaks up saying So you're a bit of a weirdo ain't ya? The man at the bar simply shrugs and says All the dead can speak, but not all the living can listen. The bartender gives the man a confused look before he seems to notice you both walk in. ...Right. Ah look, literally anything else. How may I help you fine folk this evening? Need a room or some food? Maybe both? It's a silver a night which includes a breakfast in the morning. We ain't the wayinn or those fancy places in Daggerford. But you'll be fed and rested and it won't cost you a limb for it. The man seems friendly enough in his greeting, not giving Nadaar the usual initial hesitation. Given the man at the bars presence here, it's clear this man isn't picky about his customers.

Zack, your father nods at you when whisper to him. Once the party leaves he heads to his room and pulls a small box out of a chest. He hands you the box containing the item you asked for saying I'm sure you're mother would be proud. Now go get some rest son. With that you both turn in for the night.

As soon as old skull cane's full attire registered, Nadaar couldn't help but inwardly sigh and just take a few seconds to pinch the bridge of his snout. "Of course he's here... why wouldn't he be?" He mutters in exasperation. "Mn! Yes! Yes... *ahem*... Good evenin, uhm, Mister Yorick. The names Nadaar. This here is Miss Nadia, and we would both like a room. SEPARATE, of course." He coughs into the back of a fist. "We also wanted to see about procuring some rations, though that bit of business can wait until the morning -- Ah, but keep the change here as well for any unexpected but extensive stays." Nadaar briskly rattles off as he made his way closer to the bar, and set down a gold piece.

While the bartender is perhaps going for keys or putting the gold away, Nadaar looks to the other man, but will say partway out the side of his mouth to Yorick as well. "Payment is for my elven friend, as well." The dragonborn then smiled fully at the other man seated still, before looking between him and the staff. "Practioner, Collector, or mere Enthusiast?" He asked, and looked expectantly. Any noted look of confusion is met by his gesturing to the staff than back the man.

The bartender stifles a chuckle at the mention of Yorick. Well my names Godrick but aye I can set you up with some rooms and such. He takes the coin and turns around to Grab and few keys before turning back to place them on the bar. As you eye the other human at the bar he says politely Yorick is the skull. Companion of mine young could say. And I suppose you could say I'm a practitioner of sorts. Names Angar. The man doesn't look at you as he speaks but rather stares into his cup, nor does he turn to offer a hand in greeting though his tone is more polite than his mannerism. He this let's out a sigh and downs the rest of his drink. Yes yes Yorick I won't forget. Yorick says it's a pleasure to meet you Nadaar, he's better with names than I am, sorry. Angar puts his cup forward and Godrick fills it up in turn with what looks like, and definitely smells like, pretty strong stuff. Aye pleasure to meet ya Sir Nadaar, Lady Nadia. Here are your keys, the ladies room will be the first one on the left, yours sir is just across the hall. Care for a drink? Angar here was just telling me about what he does. Ah what you call it again? Dead speaking? Death whispering, the dead seek to talk. I ensure they have someone who will listen to what they have to say. Yeah, right, that was it. A but odd but who am I to judge. Coin is coin. 

Nadia couldn't help but snort at how adamant Nadaar was in having SEPARATE rooms at the inn, just the emphasis on the word making her laugh. Yet as soon as her eyes met the staff with the skull atop it as Zack said, she promptly stopped and cleared her throat. She agreed with Nadaar's mutterings and simply played along, though taking a second to thank the Dragonborn for paying for her room, taking the key and putting it safely in her pocket for now. When offered the drink, she gives a little shrug and sits at the bar. Although she herself wasn't a huge drinker, she did want to hear what Angar did exactly. "Well, that's an interesting job," She says, giving the man and intrigued look. "Care to explain further to a few other ears willing to listen?" She glances over to Nadaar whether he decided to stay or not.

Nadaar glances at Nadia for the snort, but has his attention promptly pulled away back to Godrick and the others. "Certainly better with names than I." Nadaar had replied in a matter of fact tone. "And yes sir. A night cap should do me some good... certainly couldn't hurt at this point..." The last part comes out mumbled upon reflecting on the last few moments. Nadaar finally takes a seat opposite of Nadia, staff, and man, almost pincering him.

"Indeed. Kelemvorite then, I believe they are called by some? And pretell, what brought you -- Mn. I'm sorry. /Yourselves/ this way? Me and my companion here ourselves found our way here for the sake of returning another, in fact." Nadaar freely admits. 

Angar shrugs and chugs a rather large portion of is drink. Fine Yorick I'll tell them, calm down. Yorick says I should be more sociable, also some other things about the lady that probably shouldn't be repeated in polite company. Oh, I wasn't suppose to say that either. Well I didn't know Yorick! Ah well, I suppose I'll tell you what I tell my clients. For most I've my life I've been able to hear the words of the dead. A fresh corpse, a shambling zombie, a centuries old skeleton he taps on Yorick all have a voice. Not all wish to speak mind you, but I am able to contact the departed for those who wish to pass along a final message or seek some sort of information from a loved one. But some dead wish to pass on knowledge of their living legacy to someone but are unable, the words of the dead often come across as vague, cryptic statements. I interpret their statements in a way that makes sense to the rest of us. If I'm relaying a message people usually pay me for the service. Sometimes the dead and those unwillingly made undead just need someone to talk to. So I listen. Yorick here wanted to see more of the world, but being a pile of bones he found it rather difficult. Few seek to travel with me so I gladly accepted the company. I think Yorick was a bard when he was alive, he has a way with words I lack. I'm afraid however death has made him a bit careless. Let's just say sometimes it's best no one else can hear him talk. Angar doesnt seem to mind that you sit on both sides of him but he does finally look up to acknowledge you, giving a somewhat awkward smile. Judging by the fact he does the same to Nadia, it's probably more of a case of someone who is normally awkward around people, and less about seeing a dragonborn. However when greeting Nadia his face quickly turns red and he glares angrily at Yorick, chastising him in a loud whisper. Yorick! No you're facing me you sick..no absolutely not if you keep up this behavior I'll bring you back to your crypt and you can go back to bickering with great grand parents about what shade of Grey they should have used for the walls. That's what I thought. Angar finishes the drink and is promptly poured another. Godrick also pulls out two mugs and pours a much less strong beer for you both. He then pulls out a mug for himself and fills it up. Fascinating. So Yorick, when did you die!? Godrick asks a bit too loudly, like how some people think If you talk louder to someone she doesn't speak your language they'll suddenly understand you. He also doesn't seem to be taking it too seriously. Yorick says that's an insensitive question to ask a dead man and that you might as well have asked him how he died or asked a woman her weight. But I'll tell you it was about five centuries ago give or take. Shut up Yorick you were being rude too. Anyway Sir Nadaar, I'm up this way investigating some rumors I've heard. From the living mind you. People mysterious contracting sudden illnesses and passing within days. In fact I've heard a town to the west of hear just experienced some kind of plague. The bartender suddenly seems interested and pipes up. Aye I've heard the same. Small little Hamlet by the name of Dalansville. Illness wiped out half the population about a month ago. No one else seems to have gotten sick, seems the illness went as quick as it came. Angar nods to confirm. Same thing I heard. Then there's been people or small groups of people getting suddenly sick all over. Seems to mainly to be small towns from Daggerford to Baldurs gate. But other larger settlements too, Uluvin, Secomber, Julkoun and Loudwater have all had similar cases. And Zelbross had an outbreak years back that nearly killed off the whole town. Today it's just a ruin. Each on their own isnt so suspicious. But I've been investigating this matter for a few years now. I suspect there may be more to it than simple illnesses. I'm heading to the site of Dalansville in the morning, seeing as they were the most recent incident. 

Nadaar initially held on to some suspicion about Angar, having pegged him for a necromancer after being denied a connection to Kelmvor. But as he sat there listening to the man, and observing the little ticks, it was hard to believe any of it to be faked at the moment. Even so, beneath the amused smile he wore as time went on, Nadaar was left questioning the interest of Zack, as he was still blissfully unaware of certain familial matters.

"Hmn... And this Dalansville... how far away would you say it is? And is northward, at least?" Nadaar asked casually, hoping to set Angar at ease. "I'm still fairly new to these western lands from my home, so some common knowledge is lacking, you see." He chuckled. "It helps even less after using a means of transportation that is unique as a cloud giant's cloud. Heh... But back to my previous point. I ask because you seem a nice enough fellow, and could perhaps do with a few more living hands help, inexperienced though they may be with this sort of thing." He admits.

Angar shrugs and says About half a days trip on foot, North and West from here. Angar then gives you an appraising look at the mention of traveling via giant cloud and possibly joining him. Godrick also gives you a skeptical look at the mention of how you got here. Evidently he seems to think he is surrounded by crazies, but paying crazies. Aye, I'd say that's a pretty unusual way to travel. Well, I won't turn down the company. For all his charms Yorick does tend to wear ones patience down. And if you're not opposed to things being a bit unusual then all the better. He then seems to stop and think for a moment. If you do wish to help it's only fair you be aware of all the dangers. Theres a bit more to it then suspicious deaths and plagues. After all being so close to the highmoores disease is no stranger to these lands. The reason I know all these diseases are the same or similar is that in all of the cases I mentioned, the bodies of the dead would go missing within a few days, usually while the graves were fresh. At first graves would be left open which is how it first came to my attention. Were the dead being undead or simply being stolen? And what would cause it if it were the former and who would steal the corpse if the latter? Then it seemed to have stopped for a while. Except one day heard a rather talkative graverobber mentioning a string of bad luck. Saying he went through a dozen graves in the ruins of Zelbross and there wasn't a single corpse. He started to think a zombie was going to pounce on him at any moment and fled. So I went to check for myself, and he was right. Every single one was empty. An entire town of people gone. That told me someone was taking the corpses, as the dead dont take the time to refill the graves to cover their tracks. I've been traveling around the other sites checking graves, with permission of the surviving families of course. Those I was allowed to check have been empty as well. So my concern is whoever is stealing these corpses is somehow related to the diseases that killed them. To what end I do not yet know. I could of course be mistaken, I certainly hope I am. Anyway this could potentially be a dangerous endeavor, if you're still willing, I'd welcome the help. If not I understand.

Nadaar sat there nodding occasionally or raising a brow ridge at points, but otherwise listened respectfully to the man. He may have been strange; and yet, the black-scaled Dragonborn knew such things came with being in strange lands. Lands in which people -- humans, at least -- played pranks on one another's grieving families as a way of re-introduction! That, and where....

'Wait... If Zack rescued her while she was young...' Nadaar slowly leaned over to squint at a Nadia. And then without explanation, leaned back in his seat and appear to refocus on Yorick and Angar once more. "Dear Angar. I do appreciate the reclarification of the dangers, but... a Dragonborn does not go back on their word once given. And you have at least /my/ word that I shall accompany and help you in this matter, if you should not mind it."

Nadaar then gestures over to Nadia. "And presumably if my compatriots here, as well as our third resting at hom, have no compunctions with this, I see no other reason why we should not get ourselves involved. 'less the Dead or living relatives grant permission, the dead should be allowed their rest: Undistrubed.And any who would take them in such numbers is not something to just overlook! So, what say you three?" He asked, looking between man, skull, and Nadia.

Just as Nadaar did, Nadia also respectfully listened to the man talk, laughing a bit at first at whatever the skull may have been saying about her, then simply nodding along until the mention of Julkoun having some cases of this mysterious illness going around. Her lips thinned as she looked down at the drink Godrick poured her, not noticing the dragonborn leaning forward to look at her as she automatically thought of the orphanage and of the kids, wondering if any of them had fallen ill. I shouldn't have left, she tells herself, her chest feeling heavy. I should have stayed, left this adventuring thing to Natasha. How could I be so selfish?

She is ripped away from her thoughts when Nadaar speaks, her gaze now on him when he gestures to her. If this is a step closer to stopping this sickness from taking anymore lives... "I agree. I'll go," The ranger says definitively. "And I'm sure Zack won't have an issue going either... hopefully. We'll just fill him in when morning comes. I'm sure he'll understand."

Godrick, who has been listening in the entire time, gives Nadia and Nadaar a confused look before asking. Zack? You said you were bringing a friend home? Only Zack who lived here died a couple of years back. Hmm...though now that you mention it..Angar, if you're looking into people who've died suddenly of disease you might want to go speak to ol' Tryce. He has a far just up the road aways from here in town. Wife passed last winter just as you say. One day she was fine then suddenly she was deathly ill. Before we could send for an apothecary she passed. She and her son are buried on the property. Not sure he will be willing to let you dig up the grave to check but...well you could always talk with him if it helps. Angar just nods as if to say he'll look into it but otherwise doesn't stir from his seat. Well business will needed to be conducted in the morning. People don't take so kind to me showing up in the dead of night asking to dig up their dead. Anyway, Nadaar, Nadia, I gladly accept your help. Yorick? You okay if they tag along? What? But you don't have a nose. Oh. He's okay with it. Well then I best get some rest as should you. If you're friend agrees then we can leave when everyone is ready. Angar downs the rest of his drink and stands up, grabbing his hat and staff he bids you goodnight and heads upstairs to his room. Godrick just watches him go before finishing his own drink and putting away the bottle he had been pouring out of. He's a character ain't he? I swear you meet all sorts of odd folk in this line of work. So, you needed rations for your travels yeah? How many days worth are you thinking? I'll prepare it all tonight and make sure you have it before you head out.