Godrick nods and waits to hear any other requests before heading back to the kitchen. Once Godrick leaves Zacks father quietly drinks from his mug before looking to Zack. I hope you're doing okay son. Loosing people is hard, though maybe you're used to it from all that soldiering. Either way, if you're going after the people involved I'd ask you to be careful. I don't want to loose you after just getting you back. He sits quietly to listen to any replies before starting to eat. 

Happy kind of stifles a sad sounding "Hm" as Sarah took off. A part of him had been tempted to go after her and offer some condolences. But given how personally she took the death, he just bowed his head and took to sitting in silence for a little while. "Why thank you sir. As I mentioned to some of these fellows before, a hearty meal can only do them some good; especially all that's happened." Happy says after having asked about Sarah, if noone else beat him to the punch.

After that, he looks to Nadia, giving her an encouraging pat ont he shoulder and a knowing look. A meow from Rillex grabs his attention for a second. Then with a firm nod, Rillex flutters off to try and catch up to Sarah. Just as he used to his own family... back when they lived and fell on sad times. "Now I won't claim to know all the ends and outs of his people's ways. But, going by what Rillex has been able to tell me, I'm fairly certain he wouldn't want you starving yourself on his account. Especially with the goal you got set before ya." He shifted back around in his seat, and with his masked tipped only just enough for his mouth, started into his meal blindly.

Oddly enough, not a piece of which is missed or fall as if far too used to taking his meals in such a fashion. Just before truly digging in however he adds, "I know I won't, seeing as the threat you seek will be the same one I'll be accompany you two on come the morrow."

As Sarah leaves, Zack can only manage a sigh. He was more than tired, he was emotionally drained. His eyes felt sunken, and his cheeks probably had a darker tone to them than they would otherwise have and he barely felt like moving. He stood there blinking several times, trying to get his head back where it needed to be. No thanks Godrick. The meal itself is enough. And That's fine. Probably best you comfort her anyway. his voice was duller, weaker, and more flat than usual. Zack simply looks heavy.

Finally dragging himself to the table, after setting his sword to the side of it, and angling it so it would both not fall, and also not be a trip hazard. Pulling his chair closer as he looks into the food. , though his eyes vaguely drift to Nadia when his dad speaks to him. I'm doing fine. It sucks, and as much of a butt as he was, I'll miss him. But it happens, and we all went in knowing what could happen. And I won't sully his sacrifice feeling sorry for him. It would only make his sacrifice tainted with pity. his eyes drift back to Nadia, who is showing visible signs of discontent still and he exhales audibly, though not in dejection so much as heaviness.  And Nadia... Sweetheart.. eat. Even if you don't feel like it. Not eating won't make the situation better, and will likely just harm you in the long run... even if you're just going through the motions, stick some of it in your gut. I won't make you, but... he says before finally going to eat his own, in a slow, methodical manner but he clearly was about as interested in eating as Nadia was.

 Thanks Pop. But don't worry... we've been through worse... we just made a few mistakes that we'll learn from. After we deal with whoever this is.... We'll probably be dealing with something bigger. I'm just glad we got to kill the bastard who was causing all this. he says, forcing some of the stew in his mouth and chewing mechanically.

Happy echoing more or less his own words around the same time about the food. Causing him to chuckle slightly. See, the new guy agrees. And we'll be happy to have you, just don't go throwing yourself in the way of danger.. that's my job. another mouthful goes in, and is mechanically chewed and swallowed, before he turns to Angar, or where Angar should be. Ah yeah.. now would probably be the best time... Hey, Dad, that Angar guy... he's.. Ok. He's just shit at first impressions.... but if not for him, I probably wouldn't be back here right now. So let him join us.. I promised to give him some social advice anyway.

Zacks fathers face turns red with anger when Angar is first mentioned, but with Zack saying he helped save his life he relents. Seeing Angar standing outside by the door, trying not to get in the way, he reluctantly waves him over and says Fine fine come on in and sit down. If me son says you're alright then I'll give ya chance. But you best mind what you say! Angar enters the room and pulls up a chair, nodding in thanks to the group. Thank you sir. I apologize for earlier, I've never been good with people. He sits down and a plate of food is eventually brought out. The two eat in silence and until anyone else wishes to speak the meal continues with only small talk until finally Zacks father says Where you all be staying tonight? I can make room if ye want though I'm sure the beds here are more comfortable than my floor.

The firbolg doesn't make much small talk without being prompted in someway. For him, contentment came in just the sharing of the meal itself in the presence of company. Happy thinks on the question before gesturing outside. "I say I think I'll be finding myself a cozy hill or what have you to rest upon. Always been one to enjoy the outdoors as much as I can, when I can. Or maybe it'll be in my carriage. Haven't quite decided yet, but it'll be one of the two." Happy admits after having tugged back down the mask.

"But you have my thanks for offering, if'n that was where this was going." He then turns to Zack and Nadia. "Wherever you two decide to rest, do come back to the Inn. We'll take my carriage to our next destination, whichever way that'd be."

Although starving wasn't a particularly new feeling to the elf, both of their words had rung true throughout her muddled mind. Nadaar wouldn't have wanted this, and having known what starvation could do do you, she had to push through whatever emotions she was feeling and eat. She is only able to give them a nod in affirmation before she goes to reach for a fork and begin to eat, starting with the potatoes. 

Food had tended to lose (or even enhance) their flavor dependent on how one felt, which was certainly happening in her case. It was bland to her, which wasn't at all Godrick's fault. Regardless of the lack of taste, she continued to eat, albeit very slowly, all the while listening to the others converse with her expression remaining the same throughout. She is even unable to give Angar a smile when he joins the table, though she does feel even the slightest bit relieved that his father was willing to give him a second chance of sorts.

When asked about where they'll be staying, Nadia speaks finally, though quietly, only for the table to really hear her. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Fair, but I think I'll just stay here for the night..." And actually use the bed this time.

Zack flinched at Nadia's comments even through his otherwise swamp-like movements, Unsure if that was a jab at him or not, but he didn't say anything, more to preserve their privacy than out of 'going back on what he said an hour ago' He was muddling along in his own eating but was making forced progress. A small, wracking yawn tore through his body despite his best efforts to stifle it. His mind was slow as well, with Nadaar Dying, and everything else, finally all coming to a close he had time to brood mentally without another thing cropping up. But he realized he had something to do first. Either way, Angar... that is something I promised to help you with. The primary issue is.. how you approach. Almost everyone that isn't ... evil or .. some barbarian, and even sometimes them too... are very touchy about people walking up asking to dig up someone elses family for any reason... no matter how noble, because usually people trying to ask those things are people like the guy we killed. That and there's.. emotions there. So you need to approach differently, and ask different things. 

For example, it might be good if you first proved yourself to a well known order... like preists who also commune with the dead.... get some official symbol so that people dont have to take you at your word. Then, instead of startign with 'can I dig up your family' maybe say "I am Angar, with the.... "  he paused, trying to think of some diety..... "Lathander, and there has been a terrible disease that my order is looking into, but in order to check, I unfortunately need to commune with your dead" it will come off far more believeable than some random man with a skull on a stick, wearing dark robes.. which by the way, get white robes.... it'll help walking up going straight to 'can I dig up your family' cause that's how it seemed to me, and I assume my pops when you waltzed up and did what you did. Take it from me... how a situation goes is almost always based on how you approach it in the first place.

he paused, long enough to eat the last bits and pieces of his meal, clearly having a heavy thought on his mind before looking to his dad and saying And I thin I'll be staying here for the night too. As much as I want to milk 'just one more night' y'know. And no matter what, thank you and mom for bringing me into this world. I'll keep in touch as much as possible, but I'll also be on the road a lot, most likely. That and .. i probably need to sleep in tomorrow.. 

GODRICK, I want a room for myself for the night, and I'm done with my food. Sorry, I'd bring it up myself but right now I can barely move.. the food was just that good. he said the last part more to make Godrick happy than anything else.

Godrick collects all the plates and dishware when you are all finished amd brings them to the kitchen. When he returns he offers to show each of you who desire a room to a private room, offering to Collect the coin later, in the morning. Before Zack leaves his father offers him one last hug and and says Stay safe son. And if ye ever meed anything know your pa is more than willing to help. Take care. The older man then starts making his way back home for the night. 

The rooms themselves are quaint and small but comfortable. The night is quiet, the only noise being the occasional latr night patron and the trees outside swaying in the breeze. Angar had taken what Zack had said and promised to try his best to improve his first impressions, and then went back to the cart to prepare to get the dead back home. The night seems too short as you all wake up the next morning, feeling rested yet still tired given the weight of all that has happened in the last few days.

Happy flinches at least one particular point in Zack's suggestions. While there many reasons people found themselves more distinctly worshipping a deity, and sometimes even giving thanks without even realizing it, to do so just because one's practice and abilities were a bit out there was... He didn't want to think on the matter. So, he just looked away, shaking his head, but saying nothing on the matter. At least such was the initial thought. But once Zack had moved on to speak to othersr... 'No, I aughta save it for the morning, if at all.' He thought. Godrick is given one last nod in thanks for the meal before he took his leave to sleep in his carriage for the night. Just before sleep claims him, several nuts and berries of unusual size are created and packed away for the next day.

(To DM: Happy spent a 3rd level and 2nd level the night before to create goodberries.)

Rillex stays with Sarah over night, if she allows him too. But come or just before morning, the Tressym found his way back to the firbolg's side. Who at the time is finishing pulling his carriage into place in readiness to set out in the next few minutes. "Oh hey little guy? Would you mind doing me the favor of checking up on your other two friends? Maybe let'em know i"ll be out here 'till they ready to go." Rillex tiredly nods, and would flutter on inside to begin his search.

After having said her small piece, Nadia remained quiet and had focused entirely on eating and keeping down the food she was putting into her mouth. After all the gruesome sights she was subjected to today, along with the loss of Nadaar, her stomach was fighting with her while she did her best to not think about it... But how couldn't she? Even as she tried to listen to Zack's advise to Angar, something to keep her somewhat engaged, his voice sounded muffled, almost as if her ears were clogged with water. Maybe after a much needed sleep she would feel better...

Nadia didn't finish everything on her plate, but she did make a decent dent in it, enough to keep her body fueled for the night if anything. She thanked Godrick for the meal, and just before he escorted them to their rooms, the elf would follow Angar out of the tavern to at least say a goodbye to him. "I hope our paths cross again, Angar, but on... better circumstances. Thank you... for everything... really... and please, take care." There is sincerity in her voice, and had the death whisperer allowed her to, she would pull him into a hug, then watch him off as he made his way back to the cart.

Upon entering her room, Nadia sluggishly began removing her equipment, beginning with her bows. She had made a note to herself to buy a replacement string for her old bow as she ran her fingers gently over it's limbs, looking down to read the engraving on it. 'Love you, maná - Nat' A sad smile is all she's able to manage as she sets it to the side, followed by the new bow, then her leathers. With them off, she is able to breath easier, and she wastes no time climbing into the bed and staring off at the ceiling until unconsciousness overcomes her.

Zack slept alone that nnight. Not so much because he wanted to, and especially not to break his promise of hours ago to 'share' but he felt they both needed time to digest. And unlike normal, he didn't wake up early. He had fallen into slumber almost as quickly as he had hit the bed enervated beyond belief, only having taken the time to remove his sword and the top-half of his armor. His dreams were random, and incoherent. Flashes of his childhood, mother, father, friends... The past, but it was all jumbled and mixed together and out of order, and would change what point in time he was in at random. He slept till nearly mid-afternoon, getting nearly... fourteen hours of rest unless someone interrupted his slumber. Just in case, he had left the proper price on the table for Godrick to collect should he enter.

Regardless of whether he slept for his intended time, or was awoken early, he would make sure to eat before anything else.  Once done, he'd collect his gear, weapons, etc, and when he would see Nadia, he'd offer her a sincere, but still ever so slightly tired smile. If he saw her, he'd say Morning Nadia. Hopefully you're feeling better than we both look and if not, he'd wait until the Tressym came to collect him with Nadia in tow, or to collect her. Regardless, he'd say to Godrick This will probably be the last time you and I see eachother ever again. So be sure to send my regards to my pops and to Sarah. She'll get over this all in time, She's always been strong. But maybe I'll come back someday, if I achieve my dream. Look after my pa though. He's strong but he's gettign old. And try to send some helpers his way, if any should come through looking for manual labor. Thanks for all your help, and apologies for any troubles caused. Take care. He'd say with a nonchalant-smile and a wave of two fingers, in salute. Heading out to meet Happy, and discuss where they were heading. 

Once there, he'd place his stuff in the cart assuming Happy had it ready to do so before saying Welp, time to head for The Shining Tavern & Inn... I wonder if they serve Red Rum there.... Either way, I believe it's that way.... he says, pointing in the direction (I believe the DM said Daggerford but my memory fails me)

Ultimately, Happy never parses his previous night thought on the whole religion thing, and it was ultimately Angar's decision. He could only hope that finding faith might grant the man both the peace and insight that being what he was had thus far made difficult. The thought of such brought a secret smile to his face. When the other two eventually gather themselves outside again, they notice the carriage lacked a horse.

Any concern is met with just a pat on the shoulder and a good-naturely "Don't you worry your pretty little head on that. Happy's got it." Eventually, anything and everything the others want loaded on is done so in short order. Although signs of lingering grimness is met by the firbolg doing his best to live up his namesake in either small talk, or big, warm, and wordless hug. "The shining Tavern? Can't say I ever 'eard of it. But, if that's the next destination, you just need speak up, and I'll handle the rest as we go. Given where we are and where that one was though, it can't be more than a tenday away. More than likely even less, assuming we don't run into any trouble. Oh, and 'fore I forget."

Happy pulls an assortment of six nuts and berries. "I got deeze nuts, and deeze berries for ya'll. While they ain't exactly filling, if we ever really need to, they aughta get us through a day of travel for the most part. Still gonna wanna keep an eye on your rations and eat'em first, as deez nuts and berries also can heal wounds quiet a bit. They just take a bit to chew through." He explain, and would hand them each 3 a mix. "Now if one of ya don't mind strapping me up, we can be on our way." At that, he backs up a bit ways from the carriage.

Dust, grass, and leaves whip up into a quick tornado around Happy, obscuring him only for a second or two before settling and revealing the big, blue Clysdale from last.  One strapping up later, and the group is off on whatever path/road might lead them straightest to Daggerford(or whever the meeting is meant to take place).

(You each receive 3 berries/nuts created from a 3rd level spell. They each take an action to consume. But upon doing so, they heal for 6 HP each due to Disciple of Life feature. For DM's Sanity, I'll try to keep the combo from getting too out of hand, least he be tempted to start through 20 giants at us at once.)

Nadia found herself tossing and turning that night, having woken up time and time again with the flooding of memories assaulting back to consciousness. Each time, she would stare up at the ceiling angrily, waiting for time to pass, waiting to fall asleep again, only to be woken up some hour later by yet another recollection. They were mixtures of the days events along with the attack on her home, and each one had felt more real than the next, each having startled her awake in a sweat and trembling body.

While a normal rest for her kind was shorter than a human's, she felt as if she took longer than even that when she stirred herself awake after finally having a dreamless pocket of sleep. She wasn't entirely sure what hour it was, and it took her a few minutes to find the energy to get up, but she managed to move and redress herself listlessly before grabbing her bows and heading out of the room. At this point, she'd see Zack, giving the fighter a soft laugh followed by a smile at his greeting. "Hah, yeah, a little bit, but I'll be fine soon, I think..." She would follow him down and pay for her room for the night, plus additional for everything they had done for them. 

However when they exited the tavern, she would look to Zack (and presumably RIllex) and say, "I'm gonna head to the shop for a second. Just need to buy a new string or two for my bow. I'll meet with you guys back at the cart, okay?" She waits for confirmation from them prior to leaving (or if either of them wanted to come along, she would have no issue with it) and heads to the store to do as she said.

Nadia makes her way to the cart at a brisk pace, not wanting to have been the one to hold them up any further than she already had, and gives a wave to them when she finally arrives. She thanks Happy for the berries and nuts, putting them away inside her pouch for safe keeping, then gets to work on strapping him in, no bit included. When all is said and done, she puts her hands on her hips and says, "Let's get to it then."

Zack would just nod at Nadia as she left. Knowing full well why she was doing what she was doing, as he helped strap Happy into his bdsm gear. Awaiting Nadia's return, he begins to doze off again in the seat. Everyone likely ready to go when she returns.

Goodbyes are exchanged as much as possible before the group finally gets back together. Godrick had agreed to do what he could to help Zacks father amd Sarah even came out to give Zack one last hug before he left and to say goodbye to Nadia. The nights stay is waved off but if Nadia still insisted they would accept whatever coin she decided to give. Her quick trip to the store costs her a simple 2 silver and the owner of the store even repairs the bow string herself for Nadia. Finally once you are all set, you start your way North to Daggerford, in search for the River Shining inn and tavern.

The next few days of travel are more or less uneventful. The roads seem to be a safer the closer you get to the city and no bandit or wild life attempts to get in your way. After 3 days of travel you finally crest a hill around midday to see the city of Daggerford in the distance. Built on a hillside in the floodplain of the Delimbiyr River, the walled town of Daggerford is dominated by a three-story keep that Zach knows belongs to its duchess, Morwen Daggerford. (Up to Nadia If she knows that but Happy wouldnt). It will take a few more hours to reach the city gates from here, but even at this distance it's obvious that the city gates appear closed.

27th of Marpenoth
Weather :cloudy

Before leaving, Zack would return the hug Sarah had given but it would be barebones, not even on account of his exhaustion. It was more out of courtesy than anything else. And it was the kind of hug someone gives when they don't really want to give it, in a sense, one of saying goodbye and letting someone go at the same time. Thanking Godrick for his cooperation Offering them both a genuine smile in farewell. And once the cart began moving, his eyes were glued to the town itself. He was taking in every nook and cranny despite his lingering exhaustion, in such a way that for anyone, it would be easy to tell he was taking a mental panorama even as he left his past behind him for likely the final time. If his father still lived when their task was done.. maybe he'd stop by again, just for him, but the rest of the town no longer held him in anchor.

Zack had wanted to offer up more and insisted he pay his nights share but considering his overall lack of liquid money.... he had to pinch, just a bit. 

During the time they were on the road, Zack caught up on his rest until he felt normal again, which should have been about a half-a-day later. Regardless of when that was, considering he couldn't talk much with Happy while he was putting on a DS he asked Nadia if she wished to continue her close combat training or not. And would indulge her, explaining it was a good way to get their mind off things, and that she'd start to lose what she had gained if she didn't maintain it, and they could do it while moving alongside the cart but far enough away to be safe, that she could get some mobility to coincide with it.

If she refused, he'd understand but would encourage her to keep it up as soon as she was ready to. During the times when they stopped or Happy was otherwise able to talk, He'd ask things like So tell me more about yourself. Where do you come from. What kind of magic do you wield?  And if he never received a dream from Nadaar on the specifics... Do you know anything about summoning magical servants? such as Find Familiar, if not, he would still proceed to ask things like What are your people like? I've never seen your kind before though I've heard of them. A lot of the questions were to keep his mind off the past, to help him forge forward, but there was genuine curiosity behind them - and when Nadia wasn't, he would share the tale of everything that had happened up till then from the day they all got the missive to aid in peace talks with the elves.. He also hoped his inquiries would help keep Nadia's mind off the past too. He also spoke with her, about anything she felt she needed to say but didn't broach any topic himself so much. Though it was hopefully clear it wasn't out of lack of interest, as opposed to  simply having small talk. He also would let her decide if she wished to be near him when they weren't on shift of night watch when they slept, letting her choose when she was ready to approach being close, but he also made it very clear he was ready to be near her both in word and action.

Finally, as the group crested the hill, Daggerford came into sight. In his gut, he felt a sense of trepidation, but he couldn't quite place why. He knew they were here for the bastard behind the other bastard.... but he saw a pall shadow over the city as well, that only he could see, but he couldn't remember why. He knew he'd served here as a soldier, and he knew bad things had happened in the military, but he only had flashes of recollections despite the mountain of memories, and that one dream. So as they drew closer, he would - unintentionally, appear more tense as he scanned the cities horizon. Choosing to put his sword  under a few other things within the  cart, hiding it as best he could from a standard scan.

Although Sarah insisted the nights stay was free of charge, Nadia was adamant on giving them something for their troubles as also a thank you for the kindness they've shown them during their stay. After their final goodbyes and a successful purchase at the store, she was ready for their new adventure ahead.

It was nice to have been on the move again, and with the added benefit that there hadn't been any trouble (so far) meant that Nadia could catch up on a few things, starting with training. Zack didn't need to say much to convince the elf to hop back into it, she knowing full well that had she not practiced any time soon, she would have lost whatever she had learned prior. Plus, it did help the both of them burn off some steam and keep their minds busy on other things for a good few hours. During their down times, Nadia would sit near by the boys and listen to them converse (at most asking Happy what he wanted to ask of them before they went on this trip in the first place), joining in every now and again while her hands were busy on either braiding her hair, or doing that quick fix on Rillex's collar (that she totally didn't forget about shut up).

When the collar was finished, she presented it to the Tressym, and says with an apologetic look, "Sorry for taking so long to get this back to you... so much had been happening I just never had the chance to sit down and sew it together. I'll leave it up to you whether you want me to put it on or not, but if not, then I'll keep it safe and sound till you do, okay?" She offers him a smile and a quick scratch at the back of the ears for good measure before either putting it on him, or putting it in her pouch for later. 

Nadia truly did appreciate the time they had now, even if it was short. It made her glad to have the time to learn more about Zack and Happy (when not in horse form of course), and she did share a few things about herself (and a little bit on her sister, had they asked). However, she never delved too far into her past for her own sake, at most telling them about the orphanage and of the kids that resided there, and that she hoped to return there eventually, even if it was just for a quick visit. It would be clear to them that she missed the kids dearly with how she spoke well of them, definitely showing signs of homesickness since this had really been the first time she had been away from them for so long. However, if asked why exactly she left, she would (not proudly) say it was for selfish reasons and would release nothing much else on the matter.

During the nights, Nadia subconsciously kept within arms reach of Zack, even without him having to bring up matters of closeness, simply finding that his presence alone helped her sleep a little more soundly throughout the night. She would be lying if she said she didn't want to be closer, but she didn't want to make things... awkward with the firbolg around, even if he had expressed no issues with small forms of PDA between the couple. In the mornings, as she was usually the first awake now that she could actually sleep, she would gently wake each of the boys up and make sure they ate something before they kept moving on the trail. 

Nadia's knowledge on the city itself had been very little, and it only truly donned on her when she first laid eyes on it at a distance. The orphanage books selection hadn't been extensive, it was simply whatever had been donated to them set on an old bookshelf, and history books weren't aplenty. What she knew only was what had been told to be through the caretakers and people she did odd jobs for. But Zack's nervousness doesn't go unnoticed under Nadia's keen eyes as they drew closer to the city, and while she was anxious herself (for different reasons), she sets her feelings aside and gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We'll be okay, Zack. We got this. Just need to get through the gates... Though, are they always closed like that?"

Happy did his level best to make sure the ride was as comfortable as possible, but without going too slow. There was yet evil to undo, after all. So, the pace is kept fairly normal, and with a break every 4 hours or so, the make about as much time as any other. The only difference was that this "beast of burden" was one they could talk with instead of just to! And every night, they'd always have a fresh set of berries made for the next day after. Although those they don't find themselves eating the night before, he requests back for light snacks the following the day. After all, even if the magic left them, they were still some nicely flavored!

A few things become clear well before a proper sit down with the firbolg outside of meals. The first is he lived up to the moniker. Regardless of the situation, if there was a silver lining to be had, the firbolg always seemed to find it. He hummed sometimes as well happy sounding tunes, or would treat Zack and Nadia with often the close friendliness of very familiar associates during the more somber periods, and old friends in his pats to the shoulders or hugs of excitement when celebrating even some minor accomplishments. Another thing is he was fairly observant without being intrusively so, and offer a few of his own tips here and there during sword practice to further improve Nadia's progress without undermining Zack's instruction. That said, he was either oblivious or did not remotely remind the affection the two shared to each other. And if the mood warranted it, he would even find reasons to go on 'short' walk abouts for the two; only to return with a short story of his and Rillex mini-adventures.

"Now I say, you're an awfully curious one." He reply during one of Zack's questionings. "Heheh, not that that's a bad thing mind you. Nor can I say I'm surprised. You don't usually see my kind this far south. At least those of us that's native to this plane. Kind of a reclusive folk us firbolg tend to be. But, that kinds of come with job, as we often find ourselves being the stewards of forest and magical places on the one hand. And while most of us can be of the kindly persuasion, I would not for second underestimate a fierceness me and mines carry in us when roused to make use of it. And on the other, 'cause of our great size, we don't always mesh too well in the smaller folk societies."

"Nevermind our tense relationship with proper giants and giant-kin." He admits as much nonchalantly. "As for me personally? Well... Unlike my two cousins, who too found themselves wandering away from home, I had some debts to pay on this side of the plane. One of which I took care of, but the other, well...." He shrugged. "I hope to get to it once we've done with this particular line of trouble you folk stumbled upon. As for my knowledge of summoning servants, I can't say I can help you there. Me and mines summon friends, you see. We can when our connection is deep enough to the world at large draw upon the spirits of friends in specially made forms. Admittedly, I ain't quite there yet, but I hope to be some day."

"You'd wanna talk to practitioners of dat arcane stuff. Wizards, Sorcerers, and sometimes World Singers. Those that 'wield' the magic, rather than merely act as conduits for greater powers, such as myself... and to a lesser extent, your elven mate there." He'd gesture casually over to Nadia. "Don't look too surprised. Rillex been telling me a bit about more about than what's been said, since meet'em back in Black Stone, or whatever its called. But anyhow. Sorry I can't help you by much. I could guide ya on the path I walk, but... something tells me that ain't quite the one for you. Not yet, at least." He leaves things there chuckling. Of his own quest and the part he hoped they play in it when directly asked about it, he'd again say it'll wait for now, wanting to keep the group focused on one thing at a time.

Because of how Happy tended to sleep sitting upright, if albeit with his back against a carriage well, and with the mask every present, there are some mornings she goes to wake him, only to have him abruptly turn and greet her just moments before. One one morning, she catches him staring at her with his head cocked to the side as if confused, But unless pressed, he never gives a reason why, and is eventually back to his usual happy-go-lucky self.

With Rillex, the tressym remained in a somber mood for most of the trip. Although the gift eventually presented earns Nadia  thankfully lick on the cheek and a helpful friend for the day, Nadaar's death would continue to plague him in small ways. However, he would watch her training sessions with Zack very attentively, and would sometimes even try to pretend wielding a stick as if it were a blade.

FInally Daggerford came into sight. As Happy was a horse, he didn't have much input to give, or concern about any closed gates. He just kept plodding along, trusting the two would tell him otherwise to stop if need be.

You all make your way towards the city gates over the course of the next couple of hours. The closer you get the easier it is to tell that the gates appear heavily guarded. Zack would note that, even though city gates are usually well defended, there is certainly more than the normal amount of secuirty than one would expect in times of peace. There is little foot traffic in and out of the gate at this time of day and those coming and going seem to be speaking to various guards before moving along.

The gate itself has a few small outbuildings set out front, which Zack recognizes as being small guard posts. There are several guards standing guard or speaking to civilians looking to gain entry. There are even a few carts pulled off to the side, their cargo being inspected. As you get closer a human male dressed in a military uniform marked with Sgts stripes holds out a hand calling Halt! State your names and your buisness please. Once you stop the cart (assuming you do) the guard looks down to a peice of parchment on a wooden table and holds out a pen to take your information.

Zack is taking the entire scene in, he wasn't even sure why he was, but he was acting on instinct that he was unaware of. Taking note of the numbers, states of being such as tension in the air, if he can recognize what they were doing or why outside of the plainly obvious.... As the cart pulled up, he would ask Happy to comply, not that he thought happy wouldn't but... Regardless, when the man would start shouting his attention snapped back into focus, and he fell back on older habits. Performing a nearly perfect salute of the Daggerford soldier.He wracked his brain for the name of any soldier he could think of from his company that wasn't him that had retired while he was still on duty... or his C.O... Name is Rex Tillford, Formerly of the 69th scouting and reconnaissance. Mostly passing through, going to visit some old friends while here before passing beyond.