Zack smiles as he had hoped to get around a thousand but after Nadia added her gems, he had risen his hopes into the fifteen hundred range and after it exceeded it with his off-the-cuff guess he felt satisfied, completely unaware he had been partially swindled. He managed to keep his face from looking overjoyed and settled it on 'satisfied' I'd like all but the last forty-five in platinum. The forty-five itself in gold, just to make it easy, and keep the pockets lighter. And instead of gold give her 5 of the platinum, since that's what she's asking for anyway anyway~ though Zack does give her a sidelong-glance of 'what do you want that specific amount for?' though he doesn't think on it over long. he gives her another confused look at how she added that last part in I'm not your owner y'know he whispers And I'd guess that most of this is technically yours anyway... considering the gems... making sure the gnome was fully distracted before saying it.

Regardless, once the platinum has been taken and 5 pieces given to Nadia, leaving 155 P, 45 GP.  (5P for Nadia) Putting the pouch inside his backpack so as to prevent someone outside from seeing what he had to help prevent it from being stolen. 

After sharing some final pleasantries and goodbyes, he gets up, and takes Nadia by the hand, lacing his fingers with hers as he starts to walk out, and unless she refuses for some reason, walks out with her just like that. 

Apologizing to happy one more time, unless Nadia had other idea's he'd suggest they all make their way to meet this escargot.

As you all finish up your buisness you make your way towards the River Shining, a large two store tavern and inn. At this time in the evening the place is pretty packed. Music can be heard from outside as well as laughs and the sounds of mugs hitting tables. There are a few horses tied to a post out front and only a little space to park a cart that won't be in the way of the road. 

Inside several tables are filled with all sorts from folks in common clothing to rough looking thugs in leather and splint mail. Behind the bar two bartenders serve drinks while several serving girls dart to and fro the customers at tables pouring drinks and serving food. As you enter there is a group leaving a tables in the far left corner by a window. You could probably snatch it before someone else does.

With every apology comes either much head to head bumps of understanding, or Rillex being asked to land on people's shoulder and nuzzle up to them. Truth be told, Happy didn't mind all the waiting, as each opportunity allowed him to observe comers and goers unimpeded by the troublesome rules of etiquette about staring at people. Not that he made a habit of doing so anyways, but words on that came up often enough to be mildly put off at times.

Once unhitched he more than happily canters off to any nearby and at least seemingly unoccupied and hard to see into alley just large enough to fit his form. What comes out however is... anything but Happy. But rather, while brushing off a few stray bits of dust and leaves from her hair is a spikey headed blond woman with pig tails whose ends fall short of covering ample breast, bright green eyes, a purple dress cinched at the waist with a red bit of cloth(sash?) that further emphasized certain parts of her, and matching cloth choker and shoes to complete the ensemble.

She smiles as soon as she sees Zack and Nadia, and casually beelines it to them. "I do dare say-" Came out Happy's voice, startling the woman, and prompting her to take a few moments clearing her throat before trying again.

Performance: 15.

"I do dare say, is this the place then?" Happy says in a husky, southern belle's voice. "Or might we only be here for a quick drink, 'fore we carry on with all else?" She asked curiously to the others, as nearby Rillex trots along at her side. Whenever the group should enter the Inn, Happy strides in with all the confidence and air of noblewoman, though perhaps more on the lower rung, greeting any passing customers with a smile or polite head nod on the groups way to any table or counter the others seem adamant about taking on.

Appearance:

Nadia is glad to hear the Zack had no issues with her taking the coin, though is taken aback at him requesting it be in platinum rather than gold. Truthfully, it didn't matter, and he did make a point that it would be lighter to carry as well. She does expect his questioning look, but is only able to return if with a sheepish smile, finding that it probably would be best that she explain her reasoning for requesting the amount later. At his words though, she looks to get a bit flustered, her eyes focusing on the counter now rather than him as her voice lowers, just so he could hear her. "I-I know you're not, and even so, I just... don't wanna be selfish..."

When all was said and done, she gives the tellers a thank you and a handshake prior to turning to leave, taking Zack's hand in hers with a tiny smile at her lips. "Thank you," She says quietly as they made their way, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm planning on sending this money to the orphanage. I promised I'd keep trying to support them financially while I was gone, so... Yeah. When this is all over with, I'll need you to show me where the mailing service is, if you don't mind." Her gaze goes to the ground. "I'm sure they'd also like to know if I'm okay too..." 

As they approached the tavern, Nadia is unable to control the nervousness welling up inside her. Really, she just hoped this 'meeting' would run smoothly. Too absorbed in her thoughts, she doesn't notice Happy trotting off somewhere, only being snapped out of her mind when the blonde woman approaches them. She was ready to assume the woman may have wanted to ask for directions, but when she hears Happy's voice escape her, she matches the others startled expression. "Happy?" She asks in a hushed tone, her eyes flickers over to the fighter to ensure he had heard it too, even to gauge his reaction to this as well... and she can't help the smile tugging at the corners of her lips, finding this incredibly funny. She had no clue as to why he disguised himself, however she definitely wasn't against it by any means. "You look good!" The compliment was genuine, of course.

She clears her throat, then lowers her voice once again. "But, yeah, this is it. The guy we're looking for is a halfling, goes by 'The Snail', if I remember correctly." The elf then looks over to Zack. "But what's the plan on when we spot him? Gonna try to get him alone somewhere?" She glances over to Happy. "I'm sure she'd make it easy to do so."

When they do happen to go inside, Nadia enters after Happy does, wanting to use her as a distraction to quickly scope out the tavern without looking too suspicious, wanting to see if she could possibly spot their man.

Perception: 25 

Happy, you're able to make your voice passable for the feminine image you've created. Not perfect, but passable. Nadia looks around the room looking for the Snail. There are several interesting characters and groups in the tavern. A table of what looks like mercenaries dressed in armor fill up a large table with drinks and dirty dishes. Another table is occupied by a finely dressed human male with several women in nice dresses accompanying him. Another table occupies by several off duty guards of various races enjoying a drink after a shift. Several other groups and individuals make up the rest of the tavern and it's a bit hard to see a single halfling in the crowd. But finally your eyes catch him. A halfling male in a purple dress coat and purple and gold pants. He sits alone at the table as he eats a large meal, large for a halfling anyway. On either side of him are two tough looking thugs.

Zack smiled a smile he hadn't smiled before, her reaction to his comment was, for lack of a better word.. cute. But at the same time, he wondered if there was more to it based on her reaction just prior to her words. Something he'd have to ask in a less crowded locale. Either way, Zack seems satisfied with the transaction overall. Giving her hand a squeeze when she had accepted it. As they're walking out, he chuckles and says Hah.. you remind me of a story I once heard about someone who, no matter what they did always, never wanted to be selfish. When they weren't. And sorry for doign it the way I did but the math would just be.. harder otherwise he says with a sigh, as it had taken him a moment to make sure he had done his calculations properly even as he was thinking about it. And no need to thank me. Its what someone who wishes he were a hero would do, even if he wasn't quite fond of you. And that's a noble thing to do. We'll both send some when we finally get rolling in gold. Heroes roll in money y'know? Just gotta get there first. And sure, though they might be closed by the time we are done here.. depending on how things go, and considering the time.

Not nervous in the slightest, but wondering if the snail would be here at all, he too wasn't paying attention after unstrapping happy. He gives the woman a confused look when she approaches, for some reason she looked familiar, albeit wrongly so.... but after a moment when Nadia spoke up he deflated just a bit, sighing and looking at him weirdly. Heh.. ok... Haha. Yes.. this is it. No promises he's there but.... what possesed you.. heh. Whatever man. As for the plan.. it's best we see how it goes. We need to find the ringleader.. since the snail is just a go-between. he says while they're still outside. And there's no guarantee that he or she will spill the beans, and they're our only lead so.... we gotta play it through for now. 

Once inside, he saw that Nadia had already taken the initiative on looking for the man, so he quickly made his move for the now free table, to make sure him and his would have somewhere to go. As well as to make himself seem more a typical customr to hopefully offset any suspicions the snail might have by also trying to 'blend in' in a sense.

Happy put his hands at his hip and stuck out his chest proudly. "Why thank you, Miss Nadia. Figured an old friend of mines wouldn't mind me borrowing their likeness, so that I could blend in a bit more. A-at least for a while. Her form's the only one that I've been acquainted with enough to trust myself to imitate even remotely, and still pass for human." She(?) said at least for Nadia's sake, keeping to that southern belle voice again. And fairly selling it well, all things considered, which spoke volumes about the firbolg's skills.

Not seeming to either get or mind the implications of Nadia's last statement, Happy positively beams and walked in side by side with the others.Not knowing exactly what part he should play, as well as not wanting to stick out overly much, he takes a seat at the new table alongside the others. Whenever Nadia should speak up about having spot their target, Happy asks in hushed tones, "I'll leave it up to ya'll how ya want to handle things. Just tell me what ya need, and I will do my best to help however I can."

As you all sit at the table Nadia stares at the table across the room where the Snail sits. Her view is suddenly obstructed by a Teifling female in a serving wenches outfit. She gives you each a practiced smile that's worn out from exhaustion from a long days work. Ladies, sir. What'll it be?

While the other patrons did garner a slight look of interest from the elf, she knew that none of them so far had been what she was looking for, so her eyes kept scanning till she is met with the target. Her observance on him is quick, not enough for him to suspect or pay her much mind aside from being another adventurer entering the tavern and getting a general look about, but just enough for her to confirm it was him. Only spotted halfling around, surrounded by burly men for protections sake, stupid pants, ugly feet. Yeah, that's him. She slides into her seat with an air of confidence about her.

The ranger leans into the others a bit, her voice low. "Table across the room. Sitting alone, but has two big guys at the sides while he's enjoying a feast all to himself. I believe that's our guy." She goes to take a quick glance over, but her eyes are met with boobs the tiefling barmaid. "Oh! Just, um... just a water for me right now. Thank you."

Zack made sure he was comfortably in the chair as first Happy, then Nadia joined him. Giving the Teifling a genuine smile, knowing how hard service jobs could be, even if only indirectly. It may be a bit boring, but some bread and water. He sat there, with his knee jarring up and down. Waiting for Nadia and Happy to make their own orders. If they were going to. as he took a few moments to collect his thoughts. Trying to think of how to approach it the situation. Just then, Nadia chimes in, pointing out that she had found the guy.. most likely. Hie head didn't move but his eyes shot up, as he tried to get a look at the man, and until he did, he scanned. Once spotted, zack would nod.

So.... I don't think we should approach this as a group. He's likely to be expecting just one.. maybe two people. So... I think it's best either myself, or Nadia approach. I feel i'd be the better candidate... because I can approach without my weapon, and summon it at will.. if the need arises. I'll try to get him alone, and I 'doubt' he'll want to talk here about it anyway. So unless either of you want to approach, I think it best you pretend like you want me away from the table, like you don't know me. Then.. if we start to leave...  wait a moment, and follow us out. Then keep an eye on the situation to go south. But I'm open to ideas.

Happy to say something, but ends up just shaking his head 'no' to the waiter. There were limits to his magic trick. Limits he intended not to test overly much, least questions get asked, and limits of firbolg duplicity be stretched beyond their scope. "Hm. Good a plan as any, I do suppose.Like said before, I'd be following you twozies lead, as it were." Happy reminds, mirroring Zack's hushed voice, though still in that feminine voice. 

"Not sure bout necessarily pretending to want you away, as there's certain, uhm... let's say habits that prevent me from being duplicitous on that particular level. But, I'm sure Nadia can be the one to do that, if need be. Or maybe she goes with while I hold this here table. Though do be careful either which way, okay dear?"

After the barmaid had left their sights, Nadia gave one last glance over toward the halflings table before bringing her attention on Zack and his plan. The ranger nods along with it, seeing as it was the best they had for now. She only hoped the snail was too preoccupied on scarfing down his meal to pay much mind to them, same with his goons who were hopefully watching out for the others nearby. "It is probably best you go, yeah, most likely expecting a male anyway, solo too... But I definitely can say he wouldn't talk about it here, but he'll most likely bring his friends too, for safety's sake. You're probably gonna have to work the charm of yours to dissuade him from bringing them, or be very careful when you walk out. We'll be behind you though, promise that."

Her eyes flicker onto Happy as she speaks his(her?) piece, garnering a small shrug from the ranger. It had been a while, so she did wonder if she still had it in her to fake it... "Ah, well. I can certainly try... Just play along, 'kay?"

Had there been nothing else that needed to be added on, she would begin by leaning back in her seat, a look of utter disgust crossing her face as her eyes scan Zack up and down quickly. Her voice raises. "¿Qué dijiste? You want us to do what with our feet?! " She puts a finger up to stop him had he try to say anything. "Escucha, I don't know who you are, and why the hells you decided it was a good idea to sit with me and my girlfriend here, but you best be gettin' the **** up and lookin' for somewhere else to sit before I invert your rib cage. Go on! Vete a la mierda!"

Performance (I'll roll twice in case them 'playing along' grants advantage? Maybe?): 18 | 22
Deception: 18

Zack stands almost immediately, brushing through his hair like some highborn noble would when trying to brush off a situation Bah! You women are all the same. Always wanting what you can't have, and then getting mad about it! I have things to do that are more important than you and your ugly feet anyway. turning on heel like someone who thought themselves better than someone else and walking away... in the direction of the target. Taking his time as he approached, and when within a few feet of them. Close enough to speak, without making himself seem a threat to the guards, but also so that his words would only be heard by those close by. Whores can be so picky these days hmm? Anyways would you fine folks happen to know someone who.... he leaned in a bit more to talk more quietly Can get a "very important Package" delivered to the Duchess palace? I find myself in dire need of such a service, and I'm willing to pay quite a handsome sum.

The bartender leaves to fetch the requested orders.  As nadia plays her part a few nearby patrons look over curiously but don't pay you much mind as Zack starts to leave.

Zack approaches the table and the two thugs watching over move in front of the table to block Zack from getting any closer without permission. The snaily slowly chews on a chicken leg and doesn't look up to the fighter as he speaks. A few moments go by before he slowly places down the food and looks over to Zack, staring at him as If sizing him up. Several more moments of awkward silence ensue before he speaks. When the snail finally does speak his words are slow and methodical, I'm sorry...but I'm afraid I don't know you. Perhaps you should check with a local courier, or deliver it yourself.

Zack just smiles, a bit meekly, the smile of one who is both confident and subservient. Bowing just a bit  but refusing to move. Ah but aren't the deliveries for people you don't know the most lucrative? Besides... the master wouldn't be pleased. Perhaps this will lend some credence to my request? he says, reaching into one of his pockets  and pulls out the device used to contact 'the master' letting the man see it, but not letting the thugs take it as he says Does this perhaps change your answer? After-all I posess information I know you desire...

He would wait for a response, and if the response wasn't favorable, he'd stop playing games..... if he got a positive answer, the spoiler never happens.

The snail slowly considers the sending stone but it's clear he doesn't recognize it. Though at the mention of information a smile slowly crosses his face. I'm not sure who your...master...is...but I'm always in the market for information. The question is...how do I know it's worth paying for. The Snail slowly returns to eating and a few moments of awkward silence ensue before he looks at you curiously. Well? Sit. Tell me of this delivery. What am and sending and to whom? And tell me about this information you wish to sell. I warn you though. If you're wasting my time....it would he most unfortunate for you.

Zack would smile but refuse to sit. I'm afraid right here isn't the best place for such discussions. The contents of the weapon....  he leans in close enough that he could be sure only the gnome and perhaps his guards could hear. It involves things that would make the people here panic. A... bioweapon. That is all I can say here, for risk of ears. If you wish to have me lead, with your protection between yourself and me... I will accept those terms. And this item needs be delivered to the duchess.. for a political scandal is afoot. I will give the rest of the 'details'  where I have stored it, and the duchess herself will handle your fee's...  and with her, money is not an object. I will however want one piece of information from you in exhange as I have my own goals.... Hopefully you can see how lucrative this can be for us both.

Pers: 15 if needed.

The snail frowns and one of his guards looks to him as if asking for permission to do something. The snail simply waves him off and looks at you right in the eye. This is my eestablishment. The Black Network has many resources at it's disposal. My men are all around, even if you can't see them. I have more protection here than anywhere else...so no...I will not be leaving. We can speak here, and none will bother us for they know the consequences of angering me. As for your...delivery...The snail sighs. I didn't you were one of those people. Fine. I can see to it that your package is reliever to your "dutchess". Just leave it on the table. Now I'm running out of patience, what do you want to know? I want you gone as soon as possible.

The black network echoed through his brain but he kept it off his face. Now he knew they were dealing with Zhentarim. But this proved to be a bonus... but he pretended to be defeated and sigh, accepting the condition. Then give me but a moment. I left it safely outside. And unless stopped... he would head towards the door to get to the cart to retrieve his weapon. Pulling the giant blade out but holding it from the blade instead of the hilt, still wrapped up in fabric. Heading back into the establishment then, and back to the table with it. The weapon was unwieldly  to sit on the table proper but he would hand it to one of the thugs to hand to the snail. 

Sitting down then to lean in conspiratorially. The information I need is you to tell me whom is on the other side of this stone. In exchange, I'll tell you the nature of the bioweapon within that sword. My master has .. dreams of grandeur, and his master is no longer part of that plan.

The snail looks curiously at the blade and then back to you. He takes a long moment to reply before once again speaking in that slow methodical voice. Strange....I would have assumed you knew who you were working for. I don't know who is on the other end of that stone. Just that they send people like you asking for deliveries every now and then....tell me...who do you really work for?