After listening to the interchange between Rend and Dig, Beyanna speaks up. "Thank you for providing this information, you two."
To the others, she adds, "This confirms that whatever plague this is works very quickly. There's still no telling whether this is a natural disease or some foul sickness perpetrated by evil. I'm inclined to believe the latter. At any rate, I don't think we're going to learn much more tonight. Perhaps we should head back to the inn and resume our investigation tomorrow morning after a proper rest."
Jakob nods. "Perhaps you're right. I'll see you back here bright and early." He says his good-nights and walks back home.
Once home, Jakob begins a ritual he has not enjoyed since before he left home. All the while singing a hymn to Silvanus, he strips down to his waist and bathes his head, torso and arms in cold water. Then, using a mirror and scissors, he gives himself a haircut and trims his beard (that part, he did for the first time as part of this ritual). Once the ritual is complete, Jakob takes the likeness of Evrevra that he keeps by his bed and goes outside to kneel under the night sky and speak to his lost love. He apologizes for forgetting to live and for forgetting to love others. He promises to do better and to remember that he did not die when she did — that he still has a path to follow. He also communes with Silvanus, promising to protect nature and its balance. He asks for the Forest Father's blessing in their endeavor to rid Darkwater of the mysterious plague. When he finally decides it's time to turn in, he climbs into bed with his soul feeling lighter than it has in a year. Yet, he still feels unwell.
Norge turns to the others. "You guys are right. Guess it's time to be hittin' the old dusty trail." he says as he turns around and walks toward the inn. "Everyone get some rest and we'll sort this out in the morning."
Norge would know that anyone staying at the Much and Maggots is warned against leaving their rooms once the bell rings. When the front door was boarded up, the group heard the faint ringing of a bell before leaving to show Jakob where the fight had taken place. If Worm is questioned about this strict rule, he replies with a serious expression "that it is not wise to interfere with the cleaning crew of his establishment." He never goes into more detail than that, but based on how incredibly clean the Muck and Maggots is every morning... they must do a great job. Norge does have a room key and is pretty sure he is strong enough to push open the temporary barricade / door that was put into place by Worm until the front door is repaired.
As Norge reaches the front of the inn he remembers that the night bell had rang as they were leaving. He attempts to open the makeshift door as quietly as possible and creep up the stairs to his room.
If Jakob saw Norge having any trouble, he would offer to let the fighter sleep at his place. It might make a little more sense for why I posted all I did — if there was a witness.
Leaving the others in front of the M&M, Beyanna bids her companions good night and makes the short walk to the cottage where she's living at the edge of town. Mr. and Mrs. Culler had been kind to take her in and let her live in their spare room shortly after she had arrived in Darkwater. It was a pleasant and welcome arrangement after living in too many taverns and inns during the past few months.
Although Bey had certainly gotten used to being a loner, things were different here. Soon after her arrival, she had grown to welcome the regular company of others, even if she was still a but uneasy with it. Azure, Norge, Mith and Tir had welcomed her into their loose little group, and the Cullers had extended such hospitality when they offered to let her stay at their home.
It was still a bit uncomfortable at times, especially during those few nights when Bey woke them both up with her nightmares. Fortunately, the frequency of her terrible dreams had lessened considerably, but they still came, and she felt bad when she awoke to find Mrs. Cullen standing over her in her nightgown as she tried to comfort the half elf with soothing words and a slightly damp towel on her forehead in the middle of the night.
She did find it soothing, though, and she was extremely appreciative of the kindness that both of them shared. She did her best to repay it by helping with tasks around the house, cooking for one or two nights a week for the older couple and helping Mrs. Cullen forage for herbs, which was something she really enjoyed. In that way, she felt that she had formed a special bond with the couple. They knew something about her that no one else did, at least not anyone around here, and there was a certain comfort and relief in that fact.
Bey had not told anyone in the group about her nightmares, nor would she... at least not right now. They only saw tough, charismatic, somewhat mysterious and occasionally fearful Bey. They didn't know the rest. They didn't know what was underneath all that confidence. Mr. and Mrs. Cullen did, although even they didn't know everything. She hadn't told them any specific details about her past or her path, but then last lead had a sense that she carried a tremendous weight, and that counted for a lot. Being able to let her guard down and accept the friendly and open generosity of at least one or two people made all the difference.
The older couple was asleep when Bey approached the cottage. She let herself in, went straight to her room and readied herself for bed. Lying down on the small straw cot, she tried not to think about what had happened that day. It had been a tough one indeed, by far the worst she'd had in a very long time. She tried not to think about Tiriana, but how could she not? She tried not to replay the poor girl's last few horrid moments in her mind, but the vision persisted anyway.
She tried to divert to some other thoughts... anything else to push aside that horrible vision. Shifting her mind to Jakob... From the little she know about him, Jakob seemed like a kind man, but Bey could tell that he also harbored some pain as well. She was glad that he had joined them in their search this evening.
Shutting her eyes tightly, Beyanna drifted off to sleep with tears running down her cheeks, and hoping... desperately hoping that the nightmares would not return on this dark evening.
As Norge starts to open the door it makes a faint creaking sound. "Nope! Nope! Not doing it!" Norge says to himself as he quickly throws his hands up and backs away from the door. He had heard too many stories about what happens to those who venture out after the night bell. "Sooo... Jakob" Norge says and he jogs to catch up. "I think I'll take you up on that offer to stay the night at your place tonight. The inn probably isn't in the best shape at the moment."
Azure would leave the others and make his way home. Passing the Blacksmith shop and after a few more paces reaching his parents small home. He would let himself in quietly and make his way to his mother, who had taken to sleeping alone in a spare room of the house due to her illness. He'd creep open the door and make sure she was alright, telling her about what happened and tear up a bit. He'd quickly rush through events and try not to over burden his mother, who he always could talk to. He'd tell her good night and head to his father's room to find him fast asleep , tired from the days back breaking work. He'd go back to his room, more a large closet than room with a small chest and hole in the floor where a tub of water sat. After taking off his armor he'd get into his bed, the large tub of water, and force all thoughts out of his mind as he floated in the tub. He'd close his eyes and drift off to sleep, exhausted and still sore from the night's activities.
Jakob is pleased to have the younger man stay with him for the night. It takes almost 30 minutes to walk the miles from the Maggots and Muck down the country lane through the wood. Jakob asks about Norg amiably, and when he hears he works for Azure's parents at the blacksmith, the older man has many questions about that, finding the topic interesting.
Norg finds the cottage is smallish, but not too small — a good size for two. The bushes are untended, and the yard is mostly rocks, but the building's stone and mortar look sound, as does the roof (though it is dark, foggy, and hard to see clearly). Jakob points out the location of a wash building on one side opposite the now-defunct chicken coop and weed-infested and wildly overgrown garden he also mentions. After Jakob lights a lantern, Norg sees the cottage consists of one room that serves as sitting room, kitchen and dining room; and a separate bedroom, which is dominated by a large bed. The house is not what you would call clean or organized, except the bed is made, and there are fresh wildflowers in a pitcher in the kitchen window.
Jakob tells Norg he should feel free to sleep in the big bed. "I think I'll sleep outside tonight," he says with a twinkle in his eye. "Now, make yourself at home. I have a little something I'd like to do before I turn in. I'll wake you for breakfast, and then we'll head back to town."
Jakob's ritual is done outdoors in the fog. He does slip inside once to fetch the likeness of his wife, but other than that, he's outside until morning. For breakfast, Jakob offers Norg dried meats and fresh apples. Jakob looks more dignified with his hair and beard trimmed. He's still a little shaggy, but more what the average person in Darkwater would consider acceptable. He's dressed in hides, and when it's time to go, he hangs a small axe on one hip, straps a shield to his back, and carries a large club.
Mith follows along with Norge and Jakob but shortly after reaching the edge of town he splits off and heads into the woods. A while later he finds his cave and climbs in and settles in for the night. He's up in time to meet up with Norge and Jakob as they make their way back to town.
Rend and Dig push and pull their heavy stinking cart down the road towards the cemetery in the direction of the few remaining faint tracks that they had been following from the swamp. The sounds of owls and crickets fill the night as the fog begins to dissipate, revealing a bright moon peaking through the trees..
When the group decides to call it a night, Norge quickly decides against entering Muck and Maggots after curfew and makes his way with Jakob towards the old mans small home. The cottage is small and not well maintained recently but with a little bit of work, it could be made like new once more. Norge gets settled inside as Jakob collapses into a small hammock secured between a set of willow trees behind the cottage. the long drooping branches create almost a small bubble around the man as he eventually drifts off to sleep.
Azure makes his way home where finds his mother sitting up in her bed waiting up for him. The sounds of his fathers snoring can be heard across the hall as he tells her about his day. She smiles and is glad that he is safe. Cascade's beautiful skin seems a bit more cloudy tonight... as though someone had tossed a handful of dirt into a clear pond or stream. She turns off her light as he leaves and heads off to bed, getting settled in his small room.
Beyanna slips inside the small cottage owned by Mr. and Mrs. Culler. As she makes her way to her room, she spots a small cup of water next to a single little cookie on a plate sitting on the kitchen table. Bey knows that Mrs. Culler occasionally leaves them out for her in the hope that if she has something sweet before bed... that perhaps her dreams would be sweet as well. When Beyanna lays down for the night, Sleep finds her quickly. Much to her surprise, the nightmares do not come. Perhaps it was Mrs. Cullers cookie... or maybe the events of the day kept her mind from thinking too much about the past...
Mith makes his way out of town spots his cave near the edge of the MoonGlow forest. A small cracked lamp rests on the ground and illuminates the area near the entrance as he makes his way inside. The cave isn't large but is big enough to serve the kobolds needs. It is furnished with discarded furniture that has been retrofitted and restored to serve Mith's needs. The kobold collapses on a simple bed covered in furs and drifts off to sleep.
*level 2*
The next morning you all awake to the sounds of birds chirping as god rays pierce through the heavy tree canopy around town. Although you know the sun is shining brightly, almost every part of town is covered by at least partial shade. The moonglow forest seemingly wishes to reclaim the town of Darkwater for itself and only the very center of town is truly exposed to the sun and clear sky.
(OOC: Alright, what's everyone doing? where ya meeting up? )
As Jakob and Norg head toward town, Jakob seems eager to get started on the task at hand. He has a runny nose today though, which is also causing his eyes to water a little bit. He has a rag handy, which he uses to clean his face and empty his honker when needed. The two are heading toward the Muck and Maggots in order to meet up with the others. Jakob brought a few apples along in case the others haven't had breakfast.
"Thanks for letting me stay at your place last night Jakob. I appreciate it. You saved me from getting on Worm's bad side." Norge continues on with Jakob to meet the others at the inn. Thankfully the door opens without any trouble this morning as the pair enter the Muck and Maggots.
Azure would wake up bright and early shaking off the water and donning his armor before he makes his way to their small kitchen after checking in on his mother. In the distance he could hear his father's hammer clang against the anvil within the blacksmith shop and he chuckled to himself. He'd grab a few mushrooms and frog legs tossing some of them into his mouth and packing the others in his pack before he exits. He'll stop by his father's shop and give a wave to his father from the open side of his shop and feel the warm of the furnace on his skin.
He'd make his way to the Muck and Maggots feeling a dull pain in his head from the hit he took the night before. He'd check his forehead feeling the scabbed over cut and try to shake off the headache and jog a little to get more oxygen to his brain. By the time he reaches the inn he feels good to go and sees Jakob and Norge approaching. He'll walk over to meet them raising his hand and saying, "Mornin. Ya get a good nights rest?"
Mith squints at the sun and brightness. He moves from shadow to shadow as best he can as he makes his way back to to town. He's slept late as he is used to sleeping during the day and is the last to appear at the doors of the inn.
"We couldn't wait till tonight to do this? I'm not a big fan of the sun." He complains once he sits with the others.
Jakob rubs his nose with his rag and smiles at Mith. "We might not get much direct sunlight here in Darkwater, but what light we get will help." He offers the kobold one of the apples he brought and looks at Norg. "You're not supposed to be working today, are you? Do we need to make an excuse with Ember?"
As the group meets up at Muck and Maggots, the differences between the inn last night and this morning are night and day. Although the door has not yet be repaired, the inside of the establishment is surprisingly clean. There is not a spec of dirt or food or sticky spot left behind from the spilled ale on the impossibly smooth wooden floor. Rays of sunlight shine through the windows and illuminate the nearly empty establishment. The smell of bacon and eggs fill the air as Worm moves quickly around the kitchen as he tries to make up for being a bit short staffed. Once inside, the sounds from the street nearly disappear and are replaced with the sound of kitchen utensils scraping against a bowl and the low talking of the few patrons sitting together at the bar. As you all file inside, Worm would look up and wipe his forehead with the back of his hand. "You here for breakfast?" He asks breathlessly before looking back down to his mixing bowl. The older man and woman at the bar pay you no mind and continue to talk and seem to be sharing a small stack of pancakes. You get the impression that they are regulars here and that this is probably a daily ritual. The two of them seem to be be having a nice morning as the man grabs his fork with a bandaged hand and takes a bite of butter and syrup covered pancakes. A moment later, the two of them look over towards Worm as he grabs a large plate of sausages, bacon, and eggs and sits them at the bar nearby.
"AH! I see you have my breakfast ready Worm! I think this arrangement will work nicely!" You all hear as an abnormally tall tiefling walks through the open door of the inn. "Only two more meals today.. and three more meals every day after that for the next.... "He stops and pretends to count his fingers for a moment. "Ten years.. and you'll be all paid up!" He would say with a smile as he gives a wide toothy smile to the goblin behind the counter. "Yeah yeah irontail! Where's the merchandise. I need help more than ever." Worm would reply with a bit of a growl as his hands turn into fists. "Now now my small goblin friend. I never fail to deliver.." Irontail would reply as his glowing red eyes narrow a bit. He would then turn and motion towards the door as a thick dwarf-like wood and brass construct walks through the door. "Your keg robot Mr. Worm.... just as you requested."The Tiefling would say with a nod. "Well Shit! Would you look at that. When ya said you had something that could help me out... I wasn't expecting this.." The goblin would say as he looks wide-eyed at the construct. He would quickly scurry around the bar and inspect the mechanical creature. "OK, yeah take yer meal.. I need to get this thing started washing dishes.." The goblin would say as he escorts the keg robot to the kitchen. As the goblin turns around, The large tiefling makes his way to the bar as his heavy metallic tail drags and scraps its way across the floor behind him. The red skinned tiefling would rub his large hands together and run them along the horns that protrude from his head and threaten to scrape the hanging light fixtures before taking the heaping plate of food.
After accidentally sleeping in an extra hour, Bey wakes up feeling quite rested and in good spirits, relived that her night was not interrupted by any bad dreams. She lets Mrs. Culler prepare her a quick breakfast of bread, jam and fruit, and she thanks her for the sweet late night snack as she quickly eats the food. Part of her desperately wants to tell her about last night, but she decides not to say anything about the attack on the inn or the fact that one of her friends was brutally killed in front of her.
"This kind woman deserves to hear more about me, but I cannot bear to shed any bad news on her or describe terrible incidents that I have seen. Perhaps in time I can open up a bit to them, but I do not want to burden them with darkness, even though it lays as a dark veil all around us. They know not what lies outside their doors. Is it not for the kindness of such innocent souls that I have pledged myself? Is it for more than just so save dear Bryn?"
When she's finished with her breakfast, Bey thanks Mrs. Cullen, gives her a kiss on the cheek, gathers her things and heads out to the door. Making her way straight to Muck and Maggots, she arrives just in time to witness the odd exchange between Worm and the strange tiefling.
Spotting the others, she moves to join them and wishes them a good morning.
"I am sorry I am late... I did not wake to the rooster crows this morning. I must have been tired after last night's events."
"Have you given thought as to where we will begin our search today?"
After listening to the interchange between Rend and Dig, Beyanna speaks up. "Thank you for providing this information, you two."
To the others, she adds, "This confirms that whatever plague this is works very quickly. There's still no telling whether this is a natural disease or some foul sickness perpetrated by evil. I'm inclined to believe the latter. At any rate, I don't think we're going to learn much more tonight. Perhaps we should head back to the inn and resume our investigation tomorrow morning after a proper rest."
Jakob nods. "Perhaps you're right. I'll see you back here bright and early." He says his good-nights and walks back home.
Once home, Jakob begins a ritual he has not enjoyed since before he left home. All the while singing a hymn to Silvanus, he strips down to his waist and bathes his head, torso and arms in cold water. Then, using a mirror and scissors, he gives himself a haircut and trims his beard (that part, he did for the first time as part of this ritual). Once the ritual is complete, Jakob takes the likeness of Evrevra that he keeps by his bed and goes outside to kneel under the night sky and speak to his lost love. He apologizes for forgetting to live and for forgetting to love others. He promises to do better and to remember that he did not die when she did — that he still has a path to follow. He also communes with Silvanus, promising to protect nature and its balance. He asks for the Forest Father's blessing in their endeavor to rid Darkwater of the mysterious plague. When he finally decides it's time to turn in, he climbs into bed with his soul feeling lighter than it has in a year. Yet, he still feels unwell.
Norge turns to the others. "You guys are right. Guess it's time to be hittin' the old dusty trail." he says as he turns around and walks toward the inn. "Everyone get some rest and we'll sort this out in the morning."
Norge would know that anyone staying at the Much and Maggots is warned against leaving their rooms once the bell rings. When the front door was boarded up, the group heard the faint ringing of a bell before leaving to show Jakob where the fight had taken place. If Worm is questioned about this strict rule, he replies with a serious expression "that it is not wise to interfere with the cleaning crew of his establishment." He never goes into more detail than that, but based on how incredibly clean the Muck and Maggots is every morning... they must do a great job. Norge does have a room key and is pretty sure he is strong enough to push open the temporary barricade / door that was put into place by Worm until the front door is repaired.
As Norge reaches the front of the inn he remembers that the night bell had rang as they were leaving. He attempts to open the makeshift door as quietly as possible and creep up the stairs to his room.
Obligatory "Are you sure you want to do that" question
If Jakob saw Norge having any trouble, he would offer to let the fighter sleep at his place. It might make a little more sense for why I posted all I did — if there was a witness.
Leaving the others in front of the M&M, Beyanna bids her companions good night and makes the short walk to the cottage where she's living at the edge of town. Mr. and Mrs. Culler had been kind to take her in and let her live in their spare room shortly after she had arrived in Darkwater. It was a pleasant and welcome arrangement after living in too many taverns and inns during the past few months.
Although Bey had certainly gotten used to being a loner, things were different here. Soon after her arrival, she had grown to welcome the regular company of others, even if she was still a but uneasy with it. Azure, Norge, Mith and Tir had welcomed her into their loose little group, and the Cullers had extended such hospitality when they offered to let her stay at their home.
It was still a bit uncomfortable at times, especially during those few nights when Bey woke them both up with her nightmares. Fortunately, the frequency of her terrible dreams had lessened considerably, but they still came, and she felt bad when she awoke to find Mrs. Cullen standing over her in her nightgown as she tried to comfort the half elf with soothing words and a slightly damp towel on her forehead in the middle of the night.
She did find it soothing, though, and she was extremely appreciative of the kindness that both of them shared. She did her best to repay it by helping with tasks around the house, cooking for one or two nights a week for the older couple and helping Mrs. Cullen forage for herbs, which was something she really enjoyed. In that way, she felt that she had formed a special bond with the couple. They knew something about her that no one else did, at least not anyone around here, and there was a certain comfort and relief in that fact.
Bey had not told anyone in the group about her nightmares, nor would she... at least not right now. They only saw tough, charismatic, somewhat mysterious and occasionally fearful Bey. They didn't know the rest. They didn't know what was underneath all that confidence. Mr. and Mrs. Cullen did, although even they didn't know everything. She hadn't told them any specific details about her past or her path, but then last lead had a sense that she carried a tremendous weight, and that counted for a lot. Being able to let her guard down and accept the friendly and open generosity of at least one or two people made all the difference.
The older couple was asleep when Bey approached the cottage. She let herself in, went straight to her room and readied herself for bed. Lying down on the small straw cot, she tried not to think about what had happened that day. It had been a tough one indeed, by far the worst she'd had in a very long time. She tried not to think about Tiriana, but how could she not? She tried not to replay the poor girl's last few horrid moments in her mind, but the vision persisted anyway.
She tried to divert to some other thoughts... anything else to push aside that horrible vision. Shifting her mind to Jakob... From the little she know about him, Jakob seemed like a kind man, but Bey could tell that he also harbored some pain as well. She was glad that he had joined them in their search this evening.
Shutting her eyes tightly, Beyanna drifted off to sleep with tears running down her cheeks, and hoping... desperately hoping that the nightmares would not return on this dark evening.
As Norge starts to open the door it makes a faint creaking sound. "Nope! Nope! Not doing it!" Norge says to himself as he quickly throws his hands up and backs away from the door. He had heard too many stories about what happens to those who venture out after the night bell. "Sooo... Jakob" Norge says and he jogs to catch up. "I think I'll take you up on that offer to stay the night at your place tonight. The inn probably isn't in the best shape at the moment."
Azure would leave the others and make his way home. Passing the Blacksmith shop and after a few more paces reaching his parents small home. He would let himself in quietly and make his way to his mother, who had taken to sleeping alone in a spare room of the house due to her illness. He'd creep open the door and make sure she was alright, telling her about what happened and tear up a bit. He'd quickly rush through events and try not to over burden his mother, who he always could talk to. He'd tell her good night and head to his father's room to find him fast asleep , tired from the days back breaking work. He'd go back to his room, more a large closet than room with a small chest and hole in the floor where a tub of water sat. After taking off his armor he'd get into his bed, the large tub of water, and force all thoughts out of his mind as he floated in the tub. He'd close his eyes and drift off to sleep, exhausted and still sore from the night's activities.
Jakob is pleased to have the younger man stay with him for the night. It takes almost 30 minutes to walk the miles from the Maggots and Muck down the country lane through the wood. Jakob asks about Norg amiably, and when he hears he works for Azure's parents at the blacksmith, the older man has many questions about that, finding the topic interesting.
Norg finds the cottage is smallish, but not too small — a good size for two. The bushes are untended, and the yard is mostly rocks, but the building's stone and mortar look sound, as does the roof (though it is dark, foggy, and hard to see clearly). Jakob points out the location of a wash building on one side opposite the now-defunct chicken coop and weed-infested and wildly overgrown garden he also mentions. After Jakob lights a lantern, Norg sees the cottage consists of one room that serves as sitting room, kitchen and dining room; and a separate bedroom, which is dominated by a large bed. The house is not what you would call clean or organized, except the bed is made, and there are fresh wildflowers in a pitcher in the kitchen window.
Jakob tells Norg he should feel free to sleep in the big bed. "I think I'll sleep outside tonight," he says with a twinkle in his eye. "Now, make yourself at home. I have a little something I'd like to do before I turn in. I'll wake you for breakfast, and then we'll head back to town."
Jakob's ritual is done outdoors in the fog. He does slip inside once to fetch the likeness of his wife, but other than that, he's outside until morning. For breakfast, Jakob offers Norg dried meats and fresh apples. Jakob looks more dignified with his hair and beard trimmed. He's still a little shaggy, but more what the average person in Darkwater would consider acceptable. He's dressed in hides, and when it's time to go, he hangs a small axe on one hip, straps a shield to his back, and carries a large club.
Mith follows along with Norge and Jakob but shortly after reaching the edge of town he splits off and heads into the woods. A while later he finds his cave and climbs in and settles in for the night. He's up in time to meet up with Norge and Jakob as they make their way back to town.
Rend and Dig push and pull their heavy stinking cart down the road towards the cemetery in the direction of the few remaining faint tracks that they had been following from the swamp. The sounds of owls and crickets fill the night as the fog begins to dissipate, revealing a bright moon peaking through the trees..
When the group decides to call it a night, Norge quickly decides against entering Muck and Maggots after curfew and makes his way with Jakob towards the old mans small home. The cottage is small and not well maintained recently but with a little bit of work, it could be made like new once more. Norge gets settled inside as Jakob collapses into a small hammock secured between a set of willow trees behind the cottage. the long drooping branches create almost a small bubble around the man as he eventually drifts off to sleep.
Azure makes his way home where finds his mother sitting up in her bed waiting up for him. The sounds of his fathers snoring can be heard across the hall as he tells her about his day. She smiles and is glad that he is safe. Cascade's beautiful skin seems a bit more cloudy tonight... as though someone had tossed a handful of dirt into a clear pond or stream. She turns off her light as he leaves and heads off to bed, getting settled in his small room.
Beyanna slips inside the small cottage owned by Mr. and Mrs. Culler. As she makes her way to her room, she spots a small cup of water next to a single little cookie on a plate sitting on the kitchen table. Bey knows that Mrs. Culler occasionally leaves them out for her in the hope that if she has something sweet before bed... that perhaps her dreams would be sweet as well. When Beyanna lays down for the night, Sleep finds her quickly. Much to her surprise, the nightmares do not come. Perhaps it was Mrs. Cullers cookie... or maybe the events of the day kept her mind from thinking too much about the past...
Mith makes his way out of town spots his cave near the edge of the MoonGlow forest. A small cracked lamp rests on the ground and illuminates the area near the entrance as he makes his way inside. The cave isn't large but is big enough to serve the kobolds needs. It is furnished with discarded furniture that has been retrofitted and restored to serve Mith's needs. The kobold collapses on a simple bed covered in furs and drifts off to sleep.
*level 2*
The next morning you all awake to the sounds of birds chirping as god rays pierce through the heavy tree canopy around town. Although you know the sun is shining brightly, almost every part of town is covered by at least partial shade. The moonglow forest seemingly wishes to reclaim the town of Darkwater for itself and only the very center of town is truly exposed to the sun and clear sky.
(OOC: Alright, what's everyone doing? where ya meeting up? )
As Jakob and Norg head toward town, Jakob seems eager to get started on the task at hand. He has a runny nose today though, which is also causing his eyes to water a little bit. He has a rag handy, which he uses to clean his face and empty his honker when needed. The two are heading toward the Muck and Maggots in order to meet up with the others. Jakob brought a few apples along in case the others haven't had breakfast.
"Thanks for letting me stay at your place last night Jakob. I appreciate it. You saved me from getting on Worm's bad side." Norge continues on with Jakob to meet the others at the inn. Thankfully the door opens without any trouble this morning as the pair enter the Muck and Maggots.
Azure would wake up bright and early shaking off the water and donning his armor before he makes his way to their small kitchen after checking in on his mother. In the distance he could hear his father's hammer clang against the anvil within the blacksmith shop and he chuckled to himself. He'd grab a few mushrooms and frog legs tossing some of them into his mouth and packing the others in his pack before he exits. He'll stop by his father's shop and give a wave to his father from the open side of his shop and feel the warm of the furnace on his skin.
He'd make his way to the Muck and Maggots feeling a dull pain in his head from the hit he took the night before. He'd check his forehead feeling the scabbed over cut and try to shake off the headache and jog a little to get more oxygen to his brain. By the time he reaches the inn he feels good to go and sees Jakob and Norge approaching. He'll walk over to meet them raising his hand and saying, "Mornin. Ya get a good nights rest?"
Mith squints at the sun and brightness. He moves from shadow to shadow as best he can as he makes his way back to to town. He's slept late as he is used to sleeping during the day and is the last to appear at the doors of the inn.
"We couldn't wait till tonight to do this? I'm not a big fan of the sun." He complains once he sits with the others.
Jakob rubs his nose with his rag and smiles at Mith. "We might not get much direct sunlight here in Darkwater, but what light we get will help." He offers the kobold one of the apples he brought and looks at Norg. "You're not supposed to be working today, are you? Do we need to make an excuse with Ember?"
As the group meets up at Muck and Maggots, the differences between the inn last night and this morning are night and day. Although the door has not yet be repaired, the inside of the establishment is surprisingly clean. There is not a spec of dirt or food or sticky spot left behind from the spilled ale on the impossibly smooth wooden floor. Rays of sunlight shine through the windows and illuminate the nearly empty establishment. The smell of bacon and eggs fill the air as Worm moves quickly around the kitchen as he tries to make up for being a bit short staffed. Once inside, the sounds from the street nearly disappear and are replaced with the sound of kitchen utensils scraping against a bowl and the low talking of the few patrons sitting together at the bar. As you all file inside, Worm would look up and wipe his forehead with the back of his hand. "You here for breakfast?" He asks breathlessly before looking back down to his mixing bowl. The older man and woman at the bar pay you no mind and continue to talk and seem to be sharing a small stack of pancakes. You get the impression that they are regulars here and that this is probably a daily ritual. The two of them seem to be be having a nice morning as the man grabs his fork with a bandaged hand and takes a bite of butter and syrup covered pancakes. A moment later, the two of them look over towards Worm as he grabs a large plate of sausages, bacon, and eggs and sits them at the bar nearby.
"AH! I see you have my breakfast ready Worm! I think this arrangement will work nicely!" You all hear as an abnormally tall tiefling walks through the open door of the inn. "Only two more meals today.. and three more meals every day after that for the next.... " He stops and pretends to count his fingers for a moment. "Ten years.. and you'll be all paid up!" He would say with a smile as he gives a wide toothy smile to the goblin behind the counter. "Yeah yeah irontail! Where's the merchandise. I need help more than ever." Worm would reply with a bit of a growl as his hands turn into fists. "Now now my small goblin friend. I never fail to deliver.." Irontail would reply as his glowing red eyes narrow a bit. He would then turn and motion towards the door as a thick dwarf-like wood and brass construct walks through the door. "Your keg robot Mr. Worm.... just as you requested." The Tiefling would say with a nod. "Well Shit! Would you look at that. When ya said you had something that could help me out... I wasn't expecting this.." The goblin would say as he looks wide-eyed at the construct. He would quickly scurry around the bar and inspect the mechanical creature. "OK, yeah take yer meal.. I need to get this thing started washing dishes.." The goblin would say as he escorts the keg robot to the kitchen. As the goblin turns around, The large tiefling makes his way to the bar as his heavy metallic tail drags and scraps its way across the floor behind him. The red skinned tiefling would rub his large hands together and run them along the horns that protrude from his head and threaten to scrape the hanging light fixtures before taking the heaping plate of food.
After accidentally sleeping in an extra hour, Bey wakes up feeling quite rested and in good spirits, relived that her night was not interrupted by any bad dreams. She lets Mrs. Culler prepare her a quick breakfast of bread, jam and fruit, and she thanks her for the sweet late night snack as she quickly eats the food. Part of her desperately wants to tell her about last night, but she decides not to say anything about the attack on the inn or the fact that one of her friends was brutally killed in front of her.
"This kind woman deserves to hear more about me, but I cannot bear to shed any bad news on her or describe terrible incidents that I have seen. Perhaps in time I can open up a bit to them, but I do not want to burden them with darkness, even though it lays as a dark veil all around us. They know not what lies outside their doors. Is it not for the kindness of such innocent souls that I have pledged myself? Is it for more than just so save dear Bryn?"
When she's finished with her breakfast, Bey thanks Mrs. Cullen, gives her a kiss on the cheek, gathers her things and heads out to the door. Making her way straight to Muck and Maggots, she arrives just in time to witness the odd exchange between Worm and the strange tiefling.
Spotting the others, she moves to join them and wishes them a good morning.
"I am sorry I am late... I did not wake to the rooster crows this morning. I must have been tired after last night's events."
"Have you given thought as to where we will begin our search today?"