Zack rubs his finger and hand across his nose to scratch an itch, seeing the facade was failing, but inspiration continued to come to him.  My intention was t contact them and let you hear it to deduce who it might be, after-all if you're part of the black network.. you'll probably know. Or.. know a way to find out. I have a personal vendetta against this person, and seek to kill them by whatever means necessary. So the answer yo your question is, I work for me. The information i have, involves a certain set of diseases sweeping the land and killing entire towns. So?

The snail regards you curiously for a moment before speaking yet again. I think...perhaps...we can come to an arrangement. But not now. Come back after midnight. The place will be less occupied, and we can speak in further detail. And bring your friends. He nods towrds Nadia and Happy. I'd prefer all parties involved where there. For now..enjoy free room and board at the River Shining. The Snail places a key on the table and passes it over. And I would avoid any of the Dutches men in the mean time. Things aren't as you remember them Zack. He then waves you away to get you to leave.

Zack almost narrowed his eyes at the fact the man already knew him. it wasn't entirely unexpected. But how? the people had been killed, and there's no way a snake could speak well enough to give too much detail. Regardless, he doesn't allow himself to focus overlong on that detail, his eyes shooting to the key and taking it without hesitation, not that he didn't harbor doubts. Pocketing it and standing up. Sounds like we may have business then. And seeing as you already know things, no point in fighting the river. We'll see you then. Reaching for his sword though if he was 'not allowed' to retrieve it, he would let it be and walk out without it. All things considered.

Heading back to the table everyone was at, and give them the rundown on what happened and how the snail more or less already knew them all, and so forth. And that's the gist of the situation. I also wouldn't trust the food or drink here. If they knew this much it may very well be poisoned or worse. I say we take the couple hours we have before hand to see if we can find a shop that's still open and get Nadia some thing. Implying new armor but not actually saying so.. in case...

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake away how anxious she felt. Their little performance went off without a hitch, surprisingly, now all that was left to do was let Zack handle it and... wait. With the halfling focused on the fighter, she felt a little more at ease taking a few glances here and there to see if she could possibly get some sort of a sense on how it was going, but her nerves would get the best of her, thinking everything had been going wrong, even though nothing truly happened yet. With a small sigh passing her lips, she looks to Happy, hoping that maybe engaging in small conversation would help her some. "Hey, Happy? Hope you don't mind me asking, but... Why'd you decide to help us back there? When Rillex was out looking for help, I mean. You could've ignore him, and kept on your way... but you didn't." She pauses, looking for more to add, but is only able to give a mirthless laugh instead. "Silly question, but it's been on my mind. A lot of people nowadays tend to just look out for themselves, so... Thought I'd ask."

(Assuming Happy replies) Nadia will take a few glances towards the table every now and again while Happy speaks to make sure the duo didn't go anywhere. When Happy finished, and had there been a need for her to reply, she would, and when Zack joins them again and delivers the report, she can't help but sigh. "Great. Them again, huh? Ellos son como las cucarachas." The ranger can't help but shoot an annoyed glare over to the snail. "Looks like we're going to have to keep our guard up all the time now. No doubt they'll probably have people watch us."

Another sigh escapes her, this one in defeat. "Ah well, it can't be helped. Might as well try and bore them with a shopping spree. Hopefully something is still open at this time in the night... But, get me what, though? I've already got a new bow... new quiver maybe? Mm..." She takes a quick look over herself, noting how worn her leathers had been, feeling just the slightest bit insecure. Of course, she took good care of them, but they had been a couple of years old now, and she couldn't use the excuse that she didn't have any money to replace them with something better. "Ah... M-maybe some new leathers... or something... Hah..." Nadia would be the first to get up from the table and begin to head out, avoiding all eye contact out of sheer embarrassment. 

Happy smiled a broad smile during Nadia's pause, but said nothing at first, sensing she had a bit more to add. In seeing her patience rewarded, she chuckled lightly, having remained mindful of the form he currently posed in at the moment. "Fair enough question. If not for what happened previously, I would've found myself  mighty surprised innit not bein' asked sooner." Happy admits. "The long and short of it is a bit of two parter, that I can honestly be boiled into one. That being I did so because... it's in my nature. When I see someone in distress, it's usually fairly hard for me to not wanna do something 'bout it. This goes doubly so for my -- well, for this plane's at least 'less easy for most to converse with kind."

He says that last line while sharing a mirthful grin with Rillex' own varation of one. "In case I forgot to make it clear before, I'm what you call a druid. With the circle I belong to being those of 'The Sheperd'. As the title implies, we have certain connection with again our less conversational brothers and sisters of the world. Now, all firbolg -- at least those of the Feywild or who live long enough near elven societies rich with your kinds particular magic -- can always talk with folk Rillex, horses, and so on. But always one-sided. As a shepherd, it now goes both ways... tho', that don't guarantee kindly reports, mind you."

Happy chuckles again before his expression turns to a more serious one. "Mind a more personal question, uhm.. Dixie Enormous?" He says more than asks, though genuinely appeared confused about the truth of the name. Upon receiving a favorable answer he adds, "Why do you sleep? As I understood it, sleeping for elves is a, uh... rather dangerous. Something about, assuming I be recalling this correctly, experiencing the dreams of multiple past lives. For that matter, and I do apologize if this is going too far, but... how old are you?"

Once he received an answer, even if that answer involved a delay of the topic(which he accepts with a respecful nod), he sits there mulling over it quietly until Zack returns with his report. He listens quietly, making sure to digest it all, and that of Nadia's response. One part of which in the latter's case elicits a chuckle and say, "Como cucarachas, de hecho, ¿eh?" Then he pause and chuckles, "I'll assume you mean this fellows general sort. To which I say that's an interesting compliment to pay'em. Though in anycase, ya'll still have my treat gave you before, so you aughta be alright. And if its alright with you, mind selling my carriage for me. Or at least helping there? After what that guard said, some faster means for you two in the event I don't have it for ya."

Nadia is all ears when Happy begins to get into answering her question, the elf resting her chin in her palm making sure her head was tilted in such a way for her to ensure Happy she was still with him, but was able to glance over to the table where the snail and Zack were. She keeps a content smile on her face, glad to know that he was similar to her in the sense that if there's someone in distress, it's difficult to simply ignore it and live on. Again, she feels that they were extremely lucky in Rillex finding Happy how he did. Someone who could understand the tressym fully, and respond back, which was probably why he seemed to have grown easily attached to the firbolg.

She chuckles a bit when he says her faked name, it looking to be that he hadn't understood the play on words, but figured that he would get it in due time... maybe. When the questions are proposed though, Nadia seems to mull over it a bit, and her smile soon fades away as her mouth parts. "I just... prefer to sleep, I guess... But, yeah, you're right, we can have dreams of past lives, if I remember my dads teachings correctly, but I've never personally experienced them myself so... A-At least I think I haven't... As you can see, I'm not a very good elf, haha." She subconsciously tugs at her ears, almost as if to reprimand herself. "I was learning meditative sleeping, but... I didn't get too far, and trying to do it myself... just reminds me of darker times... So I sleep." The elf gives a one shouldered shrug, hoping that her explanation would suffice. Then came the other question, and she tries to lighten up a bit by wagging her finger at him.

"It's not very nice to ask a woman her age, Happy," Nadia chides, but her tone is heavy in jest. Following up with a light chuckle, she continues. "I think I'm... 20? 22? If you want me to completely honest with you, my age isn't something I pay attention to anymore." She sighs. "I've been through so much, had to grow up way sooner than I should have... Truthfully, I feel like I've aged a couple hundred years. But despite all that..." A curt chuckle escapes her. "I'm still just a dumb kid."

There had been a frown that was in the midst of forming when Zack returned to the table, she sitting upright now to listen to how it went. In the brief moment she heard Happy speak her native tongue, however, she can't help the smile forming on her face, it thankfully pushing back the negative thoughts that had been arising . "No a menudo escucho a alguien hablar mi idioma que no sea un elfo." She gasps. "¡Ahora podemos hablar sobre Zack sin que él sepa lo que estamos diciendo!" Though she was merely joking, Nadia giggles at the thought regardless, shaking her head to get her back into focus mode.

(And then just insert the rest of what I wrote previously here :D)

Zacks lips spread like someone who isn't looking forward to things. His elbows placed on the table as both parties respond. Looking them both in the eye as he responds in kind. Aye, seems like. So we'll want a pair of eyes in the back of our heads. Luckily we have that with Rillex. Sit on mine or Happy's shoulder, and face behind us, while you tow walk at a slight angle in either direction. It's a special scoutign formation. Looks ******** but it works. Because then we can see three hundred n' sixyy degrees. Impossible to ambush. And I know of a few shops nearby, that we can hope are open. I have some plans for my little sweetheart. he seemed less reserved to speak about her around Happy for some reason, saying things he might not have said in front of Nadaar. Regardless, he'd continue to whisper, leaning directly next to Happy's ear and whispering as quietly as possible.  I don't know how well informed you are, but, the Zhentarim aren't to be trusted. No matter what they say, or what promises they make. Whenever they make a deal, no matter how nice it may sound for you, they always stand to gain double or more from it, and are just as like to betray you after your  end of the deal is done as they are to follow through on it. Keep that in mind.

After which he'd start to stand, giving Nadia's rump a firm pat. Lets go. Time's wasting. 

When the group left the establishment, assuming no one else had anything to say, or if they did, waiting to listen to it before leaving unless they wished to be outside to do so, and then take them to the nearest set of Smithies, and general weapons and armament stores he remembered the locations of. 

Zack, you remember an armored near by who did a lot of custom work for mercenaries and adventurers who passed through. Though normally closed by this time you know he sometimes stayed open late to finish work. Luckily tonight is one of those nights as the middle aged human seems to be hard at work fitting a set of leather armor. When he sees you all approach he dusts himself off and says in a gravelly voice.Welcome to Arthur's Armor. I'm about to close up for the night but if I can help you with something I'll be happy to for the right price. Now what can I do ya for?

Happy still appeared on the fence about the warning, but did take it seriously enough to solemnly nod in answer. They, much like Nadia's story, would require much contemplation. Or so he foresaw after even considering them for the first brief while. "Teniendo en cuenta que soy un ser feywild yo mismo, recoges algunas cosas. Tal vez comparta una o dos historias de ese momento, una vez que todo esté arreglado y hecho. Pero en la lengua común, por el bien de Zack." He replied eventually in elvish to Nadia before saying something to Rillex.

Thus, when they later arrive at the shop, Rillex is sitting on Zack's shoulder. Though depending on the length of the trip, an also watchful Happy excuses himself from the party long enough along the way to revert and rejoin the others. Of the bit of grab ass witnessed prior to that with Nadia, Happy appeared contemplative for only a few seconds before ultimately joining the duo regardless.

"Just out of curiosity, my kind sir. You wouldn't happen to make armor for, uh, beasties out of curiosity? Perhaps something small for our little friend here, but not too heavy they can't fly?" He asked, gesturing over to a confused Rillex.

Zack offered the man a wave. Oh how he wished he could greet people with 'Hi, I'm that guy who used to come here" or "Angeal was my C.O. - remember him?" but he knew there was something bad in his past, and bits.. pieces coming back here and there. But for that very reason, he couldn't risk it. finishing it off by offering the man a smirking smile So the rumors of an extra hard working smith were true huh? Good. Though I suppose you could say its more my own fault for showing up so late? Bah, instead of passing blame around how about I offer you a deal? he waited till the others came in before saying This is my girlfriend Nadia, and her and I helped Nightstone with several problems recently, both saving the town from goblins, and then the next day we sucessfully negotiated peace between them and the elves. And I'm looking to fit this pretty body into some comfy half-plate. And a smith as good as you to work so hard as to still be here.. I'd be willing to try and set up a deal between yourself and Nightstone if you can cut us a deal on it.

Persuasion: 20

Regardless of his success or lack-thereof, he'd also add in And do you know of any merchants or mages that might sell some 'convenient trinkets' like one of those holding bags? etc?

The smith looks at you as if not believing the story at first but he shrugs it off and takes you at your word. Well, Nightstone is a nice little getaway most of the time. I hadn't heard there had been any trouble tough I don't really keep up with current events. Well, events that don't affect my trade anyhow. That said, I'd like to cut you a deal but...well armor is in high demand at the moment. Still you seem genuine enough, I could try to get her fitted for some armor tonight and start work on a set. It'll be about...let's say 800 gold with a discount for helping folk at Nightstone. As for your request, he gestures to Happy, Sure. I've been asked to make armor for war hounds mainly, never made a set for a cat before...or a flying one at that...but It can be done. Something light so...leather will have to do, might be able to add a few studs without hampering him down too much. Will cost a bit more but will be better at keeping him alive should anyone try to harm to cute little thing. Now even though I'm using less materials, custom work for animals usually runs a higher price, and the current demand for armor for soldiers and other people means I'm diverting materials away from them to keep your animal alive. So price is about the same for what you would normally pay. 10 gold for leather, 45 for Studded, but I'd be willing to knock that down to 25 for ya. What do folks say?

The armorer awaits for an agreement of some sort, whenever that is reached he quickly beckons Nadia and Rillex inside and takes measurements, promising the armor to be ready in three days time. While he takes the measurements he informs Zack that he is not aware of anyone selling any sort of magical items in the city at the moment.

"Ah, por supuesto, haha," Nadia says to Happy following his reply.  A blush could be seen creeping onto the rangers face when she hears Zack refer to her as his little sweetheart, definitely needing to get used to him referring to her in that way from now on, and her cheeks only darken further when he pats her rump. Just another thing to get used to as well.

The ranger is relatively quiet when they enter the establishment, knowing that Zack was best at negotiating than she was, not to mention he also knew more about armor and what would better suit her style and needs. She does also look to be on board with getting Rillex something as well though, finding that the tressym could also possibly find himself in a bad spot with everything they've been doing thus far. He could even help out too had he wanted with the new gear.

When the armorer decides a price, Nadia thinks aloud, very much absentmindedly, "That's a lot of money..." However, once she realizes just what she says, she quickly tries to retract it. "N-not that I don't think your work will be worth the cost, of course! I just don't... spend that kind of money on myself... " Then quietly. "Ever..." Most of whatever she could have scrounged up normally went towards her sister and the orphanage. The leathers she donned now were actually gifted to her when she began doing odd jobs for... She shook her head. An upgrade was definitely necessary now that she thought more on it. More protection means the more likely she would survive, with that she could do more to get more money, perhaps even find more gems, then be able to send more to the orphanage...

She bites the bottom of her lip for a second, then looks to Happy and Zack, unsure if the deal was good or not. "I... think that's fair for the two of us?" Once given a confirmation from the two, she heads over to where the armorer wanted her for measurement taking. 

Zack gives a soldiers grunt and nods at the first half of the mans comments. Aye, some of the 'Giant' business found its way there. Luckily the town itself survived as well as most of it's residents. intentionally leaving out the part that the 'royalty' was dead.. just in case. And a few goblin raiders had done some things, but we ran them off, then we went in to do what we went in there to do originally. Luckily the elves leader has a head on his shoulders. Agree'd to protect the city. he said, in hopes of.. if by some chance this guy was a Zhent, that they'd be wary of taking over a town that even 'might' be under the watchful eye of elves. From there he let the man finish, arms crosses with eyes closed as he listened, before ultimately nodding in approval. Sounds fair to me. I like a fair deal where both sides benefit. his attention turning to Happy's suggestion and nodding in agreement about how it sounded good to him as well. Somewhat chuckling at Nadia's comments but not mockingly so. Don't worry sweetheart, think of it in military terms. For every soldier, they have to pay around that much if they wanna keep a good soldier alive. And that's per soldier. Cause if they skimp out and only buy the cheapest, their army loses, and then they lose everything. Ain't that right man? Either way, I ain't gonna spoil you, but you will get used to a better life than an urchins by far so long as we're together. 

Either way man, toss in one more thing, since Happy reminded me. I know there's always metal shavings and scraps leftover from various tasks.... Mind using that, to create a makeshift set of claws for the cat? Something like they do in those cock fighting rings? A little comfy bracer to go around its front arms, that act as slightly better claws than it has? Either way, we have a deal on everything so far.

The armor smith shrugs and says I mainly work with armor but I could probably make something like that for your cat. I'd say it would be about 2 gold for a set after the discount. If that's fair I'll finish these measurements and have everything ready in a few days. So do we have a deal?

Zack nods. (Big Brain RP)

The armor gladly accepts the coin and proceeds with the measurements which take about an hour. You're items will be ready in 3 days. (Big brain response :p)

Unless Zack nod implied paying for the armor, Happy, after a moment's deliberation, bowed his head in shame. But if it did, he would give him a thankful pat on the shoulder, and say, "That's awfully generous of ya, my friend. May someday I'll be able to pay back, having suggested it in the first place." He then starts for a second before looking to the armorer. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know anyone in town that might be willing to pay for carriage, would you? What with this giant business and so forth, while likely difficult, I imagine having a few extra transports on hand aughta fetch a pretty copper, as humans say."

That all said, once armor arrangements are made, unless there still time that evening to at least arrange for the carriage sell, Happy is fairly set to follow Zack and Nadia wherever they need or wish to go next, having nothing in particular in mind.

(it was indeed just that happy. And next, considering the hour is the meeting spot. but we should all keep an 'eye' on our sides cause.. zhents)

The armorer suggests selling the cart to either the stables or one of the merchants at the marketplace in the morning. (Will be doing a proper post for the meeting a bit later just wanted to get this out there)

Midnight finally arrives and you all make your way back to The River Shining. Inside the mood is quite different to earlier. The crowd is mostly gone with only about a dozen or so stragglers, the bards have been sent home and the room is quiet. All eyes rest on the party. The Snail beckons you over to his table in the back. When you approach a serving girl, the Teifling from earlier, lays out a large platter of food and sets out mugs for each of you filling them with wine. Sit, eat, drink. If theres anything you want that's not hear you need simply ask Alexia here. The Teifling bows before quickly darting back to the kitchen's and away from the conversation. 

The Snail picks a particularly plump peach off the platter and begins to eat while waiting for you all to sit. So, I suppose we should get to buisness. Mr. Fair, why have you returned to the city? Mr. Hewley paid quite well to get you out. I'm afraid if you get yourself recognized I won't be able to help you this time no matter how good the coin is. Ever since you two made all that ruckus is the palace, things have been, difficult to say the least.