History check for the mysterious figure: 16

History check for the corpses: 10

The elf was weird, Tanni is sure of that. What she does know is that these corpses belong to crews that work out of Caterona. It's the main port city along the Shimmering Sea's coast and where most trade comes into the region from The Northern Settlements. They were most likely part of a ship's crew as they all wore similar clothes and captains like some level of uniformity. It's not clear what they were up to here, but they most likely came south from Thornwood in their journey and might have traveled through the other tunnel they say above. 

Whatever their reason for being here, it didn't seem tied to the current threat facing Holden Heights and they were going to be nearly a day behind in securing the shards for Krusk. The only hope was that the acolytes were able to clear up the trash trinkets and made progress on finding the shards themselves. 

Knok, just for good measure, looks back over the stream doing his best to see anything in the water. Of course his efforts are fruitless as anything that may have fallen in the water has long been swept away deeper into the caverns. The rest of the group gathers what they can carry and makes their way back across the rotted bridge. You can tell that the water damage seems to have occurred rather recently. Those that are aware of the flood are able to piece together that the rush of water downstream probably affected more downstream than just the grove. The wet tunnel was also probably attributed to the extra water that came through the cavern. 

It takes most of the day to get back to the wishing well. You find relief that the passage back to the room is still open. You close the doors behind you and reset the portrait into the wall. You hear the mechanical shifting of gears and locks as you do. After a moment of rest (short rest) you make your way back out to the lounge where Ombre is reading over a book. She looks to the group and asks, "Would you like some supper?"

Paren thinks about it for a second but then his stomach growls. "Might as well. We actually need a plan for what to do next anyways." Once he sits down at the table he says, "So what's our next move. I know we're looking for the shards but how are we doing that? Where should we go first?"

Finan takes the coins and divides them evenly among the group. Two gold coins each, not an unfair profit for an afternoon's work, although normal work did not involve so many swords and crossbow bolts coming your way.

He is still wondering about the sailors when they emerge back in his room, but decides to let the topic go for now. The mysterious figure, however, continues to come to the forefront of his thoughts. Aiden had been disguised as an Elven woman. Perhaps it had been a sign that they should have ventured deeper into the caverns after all? The God was turning out to become more frustrating by the day.

As they approach Ombre Finan nods, "Yes, please," noticing the casual question after they all had just spent almost a full day within the rooms of the establishment. Given the unusual method of dealing with the room keys, it seems somehow out of place. He was starting to become quite interested in having a longer conversation with the woman, but in the evenings she had been quite busy. In fact, this seems like an opportune moment to capture a bit of her time. "Ah, but could I speak with you?" he says, doing his best to appear polite and just that tad shy to appeal to a woman, despite his physical appearance.

Ombre calls to the back to prepare the required number of plates for the group. It doesn't take long until her husband emerges with food for you all. He's also gotten pretty good about having the drinks you normally like brought to the table as well.

When Finan asks for a conversation,  Ombre says "certainly.  What is it you need?"

Finan smiles, expressing his gratitude. "In private? Or at least a little away from prying eyes?" he says, lowering his voice and casting a quick glance around the room if there are other customers present, and checking if the place where she was reading would be immediately visible to people entering the room.

Given it would go to waste otherwise, Jonathan takes a longsword back with him, perhaps a new blade to test out in the future...

Upon arriving back at the tavern, Jonathan slumps onto a chair. "Shall we at least order some food and ale? I am famished." He notions to the others.

Food and ale is brought to the table by Renard. When he moves to return to the back, Ombre stops him and says. "Watch the front of the house for me darling." She then gestures for Finan to come into the back room with her. 

The lounge is rather quiet as the two depart to the back room. One thing that you all notice to be a bit odd is that there are no other guests here in the Well. It was like that the last time you were in the lounge as well. Very peculiar. 

Paren jumps a bit as a small weasel-like creature jumps onto him and whispers in his ear. As it scurries away he lurches back from the table. "Oh gods! You could at least have stayed around so I could prove it to my friends! They already think I'm nuts!" He turns back to the group, "Message from Falaine. Fire in the north and animals attacking the north gate. Sorry to do this friends but if she needs help I'm going to provide it." He shovels another mouthful of food in before standing up and making for the door. As he does he's shouting for Finan, "Finan! Finan! Message from Falaine! She needs help at the north gate!" He then stops for a second at the door to see if any of the group is following him or if he's going alone.

Just as Paren begins shouting, Finan and Ombre enter the room once more. 

Knok jumps from his seat and grabs his scimitar. You wouldn't have to tell him twice, that's for sure. He moves to the door with Paren. 

On the way back, Tanni shares her knowledge of the Cateronian sailors, wondering aloud what in the world were they doing this deep in the caverns.

Once back in the tavern, Tanni nods approvingly to Jonathan's suggestion for food and drink, "Yes, it has been a while since a proper meal." When the food is brought to the table she begins to eat with gusto, giving an approving nod to Renard when she sees her usual drink in front of her. Her mouth is full when Paren starts shouting about Falaine and with a great effort she swallows, empties her mug and shoves a piece of bread to her mouth before quickly grabbing her things. "Not a moments rest, eh, Jonathan?" she mumbles through the bread and steps towards Paren and Knok, ready to leave.

Jonathan sighs, "No, it would appear not." he says, grabbing his buckler and rapier. "Perhaps after this we can get a proper meal." He says, deciding to follow along with the group.

Seeing everyone at the table stand Paren will run out the door headed for the north gate. 

As the group exits the Wishing Well, you see that night has fallen on Holden Heights. Darkness fills the alleyways only breaking where the moon finds pathways down to the ground. Having been acquainted with the city over the past few days, you all decide to rush toward the Northern gate which is located on the eastern edge of the city. Some of you have passed through this gate before on your journey here from the forest and road. 

The streets continue to be crowded even into the late hour as troops of bards perform for their adoring fans in the town square. Traveling further east within the walls of Holden Heights, the crowds slowly diminish most likely as they've either went to find rest or are in the town square. As you rush through the streets you see a group of tightly grouped guards hustling toward the town center.

((ROLL A PERCEPTION CHECK))

You reach sight of the eastern gate and a large number of guards are bracing against the wooden slats doing their best to keep whatever is on the other side out of the city. In the center of the street amid the chaos, you see the family face of Falaine. She's covered in blood but she doesn't seem overly concerned with it. You can tell she's a bit relieved to see you all. 

Perception: 21

"Steel yourselves." Jonathan warns the others. "It looks like it hasn't had its share of those lost here." He grabs his rapier, ready to utilise it against any potential oncoming threat.

Perception: 5

Paren goes over to Falaine and places a hand on her shoulder. "Am I glad to see you my friend. I was getting worried that we had lost you. So, what's happening and who are we fighting here. Your message said something about animals?" He draws his rapier and looks to see if there is any way on top of the wall that can be easily accessed. "Neat trick by the way. You'll have to tell me how you do it sometime."

Paren finds that there is a ladder to the ramparts that run along the wall. There are currently about twenty guards loading crossbows up there currently. 

Perception check: 9