"Oh, really? Money well spent after all, then." If joining Harpers taught her anything it was how to shift the attention in conversation from important things. "Where is father? I'll clean up myself and then want to see everyone! Is Marius home? And girls?" "Oh, and I forgot to mention - I am here with a couple of friends, you do not mind if we all stay in summer house, do you? I guess it should be prepared first. Also, did you see Nodwick? I left him with horses - my new servitor. I might need to send him outside, please tell your army of mercs to let him in and out."

"Ah, and this is Nissa. Likes fruits and clean water. Hope we have some." Taviel chirped and chattered like a happy bird, but once mother left, made a beeline to the cabinet. How could she forget about the mask! Now it was all clear - the kidnapping, the security, the desire of that Leosin to get to Elturel.

(Whether she saw the mask or not, she wrote a short letter and sent Nodwick to the Inn with it, ordering to give only to someone from the group. "There is something they wanted and this is in the house. Watch out! T."

"In the morning dear." Taviel's mother says with a frown at her. "Right now you need a bath and bed." She glances to the flying snake. "Just keep it from making a mess in the house please..." She says with a bit of a grimace. The rest she waves off, not overly concerned with servants and their coming and goings. Heading off Taviel's mother leaves Taviel to her assigned task. As soon as she is alone Taviel rushes to her father's office, finding the door locked, again something that has never been done before.

Toc... You are able to get rooms for the 3 of you, and stable room for the horses.

(Was Taviel able to send the letter?)

Locked cabinet? Taviel will get to her room for a bath and some unpacking, but a hungry traveler can not be blamed for visiting a kitchen, and someone who returned after years of absence to nostalgically go around the house. Once Nodwick is back he is sent to talk to servants (friendly communication of newcomer - with telepathic report to Taviel).

Nissa is able to take the note and head towards the tavern. You are not being kept in your room, so can move frely as you wish. Nodwick can definitely speak with the other servants. Most of them are feeling stressed, living in a martial-law situation inside the house has been a bit much for them. The mercenaries are respectful, but are very good at their job, so force the servants to go through many security protocols when they come or leave.

Did she find anyone? Siblings? Father?

In the main areas of the house you don't find anyone but servants and mercenaries. Do you check private areas such as bedrooms? It is late after all, most of the servants are even asleep, as are likely your siblings. Your father is likely up, but you have not found him in any of the common rooms.

Straight to the siblings rooms! How can sisters sleep when their older one just returned home?!

(Due to not being told you were home, as your mother wouldn't want them to be up all night talking... lol.) As you enter your siblings wake and are overjoyed to see you. They ask to hear all about your journey and adventures.

Taviel was happy to tell Sinthia and Beata all about her life (not the Harper's part, of course, but about life in Waterdeep), asking in return how they were doing here the last two yeas she was away (letters are good thing, but not enough, of course). Though among other questions she would ask about robberies (when did it start, and all sisters can tell) and where is father if not in his cabinet.

"Oh Father is probably in his cabinet."  Beata says with a shrug, covering a yawn.  "You have to knock, really loud, these days, since the magic on the door makes it hard for Father to hear anyone at the door."

"The magic is suppose to make it harder to get into the office though."  Sinthia puts in.

"Well you know Mother and Father, they don't want us to know much about the robberies."  Beata says, sharing a look with Sinthia.  "We did hear some of the new guards talking though..."

"They say the strange dragon mask Father has is something very powerful." Sinthia puts in.  "That it is magical..."


"From what I managed to overhear, the first robbery attempt was made 2 months back, and was foiled only because old Herbert had to take a pee..."  Beata says, both girls giggling at that. The giggling subsides though as they both have tears in their eyes.  "Herbert sounded the alarm, but the thief killed him."  It takes them a bit to get back to the story after this.

"Father hired the new guards then, and they were here to take care of the next two attempts."  Beata finally continues.  "The last one nearly managed to get away with the mask, that would be a ten day ago. They had brought a wizard with them, and nearly had the mask out of Father's cabinet when they were found.  The wizard, I heard, wore some sort of purple robes, and was either one of those dragonborn you see around, or a true half-dragon..."

"They said the wizard could breathe acid.."  Sinthia says.  "And had black scales..."  She shivers a bit, snuggling into her blankets.  "They got away you know, the one in the purple robes..."

"After that Father hired a couple of wizards."  Beata says.  "One at the gates all of the time, the two taking turns."

"They put the magic on Father's door."  Sinthia says, with a huge yawn.  "And a few other places, like the vaults and Mother and Father's room."

What is everyone else, at the tavern, doing now? Need to get some updates from you before Nissa can arrive to give you Taviel's note...

(Sorry, busier day than expected)

Germain moves over to Leosin, "Hello again. Are these seats taken?"

"Ah, the adventurers..." The monk says, giving Germain and Norath a wide smile of welcome.  His face grows concerned though.  "Did something happen to those you traveled with, I remember there were five of you when you rescued me..."  He says rescued with a wry twist of his lips, clearly remembering how he had not wished to be rescued at that time.  "Did the other three fall to something in the camp?"  he waves you to the open chairs.

"Wench, bring us more ale!" The mountain-sized man calls to the serving girl, who gives him an amused smile, clearly use to him.

Germain shakes his head, "Not three no. Taviel is visiting with family, and Toc is seeing to the horses. Valen, however, was slain in battle too quickly for us to be able to save him."

"That is sad news."  The monk says with a nod to Germain and Naroth.

"Let us drink to the fallen!" The massive warrior calls as the new ale is brought.  Ales are put down before both Naroth and Germain as the warrior lifts his own.  "To this Valen, whomever the warrior may be, let him find a home in Torm's domain!"  You would notice the warrior has the symbol of Torm hanging from a chain around his neck, as well as a silver gauntlet.

(Taviel "ah-ed" and "oh-ed" in appropriate moments (the death of Herbert really upset her, though), gave the girls one last hug and finally let them go back to sleep. "I'll go to say "Hello" to father." She returned to the cabinet and knocked at the door as loud as she could manage.)

After a moment there were several very loud thuds and grating sounds, then the door slid open.  Aaron Elleth opened the door, giving his daughter a frown.

"Your mother said you were home." He says without any preamble.  "She also said you were going to take a bath and go to bed..." His eyes take in the clearly dusty form of Taviel.  "I am about important matters just now, do you need something?"

"Just a Hello and may be a hug? I have not seen you for two years!" Taviel's silently pleading eyes could melt a snow hill but not her father's heart. She still tried, though, even sincerely. She was not going to insist or make any kind of scene. After all, he was alive, looked well and the message was sent. The issue could probably wait until morning.

(If she is not allowed in, she would return to her room)

Taviel’s father looked her over for a long moment, then seemed to soften.  “It has been that long huh?” He asked as he gave her a hug.  “Let’s catch up in the morning though, I have a few things to finish before I can retire.” He tells her as he pulls back.  He stays between her and the room beyond the door though, blocking her access.  A moment later the door is closed again, and Taviel heads off to her own bed at last.