Meanwhile, in the Westwoods...

Mindartis looks to the rest of the group, not really sure what he would consider a fair reward. He watches the elf who seemed very upset with caution though, not trusting he wouldn't do something rash in his own anger.

Sir Amnarel steps forward. "My lady, these heroic warriors rescued your foals with no knowledge that they belonged to you, and no thought of reward.  It is very sudden for them to have to consider what favor would be appropriate.  Perhaps they could be allowed some time to consider and discuss the matter?"

Lady Resarra nods, and Amnarel continues. "While I have the honor of your attention, My Lady, please allow me to present Prince Lintelér of Lomalos."

The Prince steps forward with a bow and says, "Lady Resarra, I beg your forgiveness. I assure you I had no intention of intruding upon your lands without notice or proper formalities. It was quite by accident that I came to the fens, and can only hope for your kind forbearance."

"Greetings, cousin," says Lady Resarra. "Your unexpected presence can only be considered a delightful surprise." After the royals exchange several more formal compliments and inquiries, Lady Resarra insists that Lintelér join her for the day so that she can hear the tale of his adventures, and they can share news and information of their kingdoms.

"Tonight we will have a great feast in honor of your visit," Lady Resarra announces. "Sir Amnarel, of course you and your companions must attend. Perhaps by then they will have an idea how I may thank them. Thami Blackblade, you are also welcome.  Although your assistance will no longer be required in this matter, be assured that I will remember your offer of service, and will call on you when there is need."

It is a clear dismissal, and you all make your bows and retreat from the throne room, the prince remaining behind, as a servant rounds up the foals and leads them away.

"And I must be off as well, to give the families of the fallen warriors the sad news, and to arrange to bring their bodies home," says Sir Amnarel. "Raven can show you around the town, not that there is much to see. We will meet again tonight at the banquet."  With that, Sir Amnarel leaves.

A few moments later, the angry elf, Thami Blackblade stalks past, pausing only long enough to glare at Raven and mutter between clenched teeth, "Will I never be rid of you?" Then he is gone into the castle courtyard as well.

"No sweet brother, you will never."  Raven says in a low enough voice her brother won't hear, but stares after him for a long moment.  Then she sighs and turns to the others.  "Does anyone have anything they need in town here, anyplace in particular you need to go?" 

"Hmm.....probably someplace where we can turn those golden tubes into something more useful. I need gold dust for a spell I have." Quentin suggests looking between Raven and her brother. 

"I lost my shovel and mess kit fighting crocodiles. I'd like to get replacements if possible."

"Ok." Raven says and leads them off to wherever they need to go.

The party can find standard adventure equipment and basic weapons/armor in the marketplace easily.

Asking around, you find a jeweler who is willing to grind the gold tubes into powder for you. He heard Del's music earlier, and does not charge you for the service.

For his part, Elwin requests to join Quentin on his component-seeking hunt. "I'd be quite interested in the spell you need the gold dust for. My patron has been trying to teach me the basics of a thorough understanding of magic... I'd like to absorb everything I can so I'll know what spells to learn."

In the market, Del would love to find a fine weaver for a proper crwth strap, and a leatherworker for a case. And if time, is there a market for the 1500# of sugar? - assuming we don't want to schlep it around for however long until we are back to Free City. Otherwise, I think we are outfitted pretty well for a six day trek

I guess since it is specialized gear, Investigation 6

Mindartis goes between stalls, purchasing a replacement shovel and mess kit, and also purchasing a crowbar. After he acquires those items, he goes in search of a blacksmith, the portable dungeon in his hands. If he finds one, he will explain the situation and ask about reinstalling doors within the cells of the dungeon, or at least the price range he'd have to be looking in for future reference.

Del can find weavers and leatherworkers, but none have what he wants ready-made. He would have to wait a day or two to have it custom made for him.

The blacksmith tells Mindartis that new cell doors can be made and fitted, for about 500gp, but if he did the work alone it would take a week or more.

Quentin smiles and says, “Of course. I actually haven’t used the spell before but it came out of this book.” Quentin then shows the book gifted to him by the Prince. “The spell itself would allow me to make an object that’s pretty lightweight, let’s say no more than ten pounds, into something that is practically immovable.” 

Del will make the order and pay a rush premium, hoping to get it done while we get the tapestry Travelodge nicened up. 

For 15 gold total they promise they can put in an all-nighter with some help from a friend to make your case and strap by morning, does that sound reasonable?

"That sounds like a potent spell," agreed Elwin. "And quite a potent book, too!"

He rubbed his chin as he added, "I'll be able to use a few beginner spells soon, so I'm debating what would help the group most. From what I've learned, Alarm and Feather Fall seem like good choices. And we could probably do with someone else having the Message cantrip, too.

"Just so you know, the Feather Fall spell, I... um... saw that it was in your spellbook copy." He took an apologetic tone as he continued, "Hope you don't mind me flipping through, I was just curious to see if I'd learned enough to decipher any your writing. And let me know when you need that back to update it."

Del will go for it - and actually nice to be in the Whispers - I imagine gaudy and flowery are not the style, subtle, elegant and muted are what we want. Ooo also a spare set of strings. 

Quentin chuckles some and says, “As long as you’re keeping it safe I’m fine with you going though it some.” He thinks for a moment before saying, “I think feather fall is a very situational spell and with one use I can hit everyone already. However I’d be happy to help teach it to you. That way I can stop making sure I have it memorized every day and can probably focus on some other spells.” Quentin then chuckles some more as he says, “The Prince is an Eldritch Knight so I’m sure he can offer some advice on good spells. He even knows a couple spells I don’t.”

"He is? Hmm. I should have recognized that. Yes, I'll talk to him as well. And yes, I'll learn Feather Fall from you, especially if it helps you keep something better at the ready."

Elwin laughed as he threw an arm over Quentin's shoulder, and clasped his nearer shoulder with his other hand. "Thank you, Good Quentin! Your magical advice is always helpful! Your knowledge is indeed quite a gift!"

(( As they acquire their goods, Elwin will also try to watch the gold grinding process, if possible. He won't ever get the chance, but the idea of gaining a jeweler's proficiency is one that interests him now that he'll be casting his own spells. ))

The gold grinding process is slow, and not very exciting.  The jeweler has a small, fine grindstone, turned by a foot pedal. She tells you it is normally used to polish the rough edges off of castings. If you like, you can try your hand at it, while she attends to other work.

Del finds a music shop.  The instruments are reasonably well made, but not exciting.  The shopkeeper offers you those extra strings you want for free, if you will play in front of his shop for an hour, and play well. (Performance roll of 13 or better.) Otherwise, one gold piece.

Mindartis decides to waste time by browsing, looking around to see if there was anything interesting, be it a tiny trinket or something interesting going on.