Gadston

Listening to his companions, Gadston sits quietly. He keeps his thoughts to himself about the woman and her status. Upon hearing Dench's questions he waits for the lady's response. 

In Uri's mind, it is not a question of if, but how. He leans forward, his cowl slipping down, and asks Idina, "Do you have maps of where this tower lies? How many days travel? Through what kind of country and what hazards lie upon the path?"

He pauses to let this sink in before continuing, "And of the tower itself, how is it secured? How many entrances, are they assailable, can it be climbed? What creatures, wards and traps lie in wait?"

Finally, with a leaden tone, he asks, "Will they know we are coming?"

Gavyn catches Dench's eye and gives a slight nod. As Uri asks his last question, he leans forward to await the answer.

She takes time to answer each of yours questions.

"I apologize if I am slow to reveal my claim, but many do not react well to such things. I need the book for myself, to remove my curse." Dench finds her motives genuine. "If you accept my charge, I will return here each night until you return."

"The tower lies along Arrowhead River, a couple days through the mountains. Perhaps a day from here if you are experienced mountaineers. I have no map, but my trinket should serve as a compass." She waits for Uri's second round of questions, "I have not seen the tower myself, so I can only tell you what I've gleaned. It sits in the middle of the river, near a waterfall. It is only accessible by a bridge unless you have unique methods yourself."

At the last question she gives a warning, "I have no reason to believe they inspect intruders, but do not rely on this advantage. The place is filled with power the extent of which is unknown to me. You may experience temptation but cannot surrender to it."

Gadston

Gadston listens to the exchange sipping his drink as he does. Upon the lady's last statement he finally speaks up.

"I think it is a noble quest" he says shaking his head in affirmation. "I think I would like to see this tower and its library. And if this quest frees you from some torment or ailment I am more than willing to give it a go." he says, pleased with himself.

Gadston takes another drink then looks around the table to his companions. "Once more into the Breach, eh?" he asks with a slight smile. "And there might be a bit of treasure to be had as well I'd hope or some lost tome that might fetch a handsome price to the right eyes."

Gadston pauses then says to their employer, "Not meaning you book my Lady, I was meaning there might be other books that some bloke might pay well for.'" he reassures her. "Once my word is given I don't go back on it." he adds with a smile to her.

"The lady warned about surrendering to temptation, m'lud", points out Uri as respectfully as he can, though the golden glitter in his eyes belies his words.

Gavyn taps his pipe out on his boot, then stows it in his cloak. He clears his throat, and in a gravelly voice, speaks for the first time. "You have spoken of the dangers of the quest, and of your reward. What of ours?"

Uri recalls the silver-lined jewelry box - the small silver-lined jewelry box - Idina had so briefly proffered. The assortment of glittering treasures revealed within might be worth a small fortune, or next to nothing. Or, if the jewels were indeed real, might that be but a fraction of the her wealth?

Dench says, "I am ready." He slides his chair back, almost ready to stand. "Are there other questions we need to ask? Gear we might need?" He will leave payment for his tea on the table.

 Direcris drinks his mead, his attention focused on the woman, though he does hear the questions of his companions. His hand digs into his component pouch until he feels the small copper bit. He casts Detect thoughts, but out of deference to Gadston's sensibilities he keeps the search to just her surface thoughts.

Uri conceals a smirk, guessing what the Dragonborn is up to and knowing that Gadston will be unaware, but would otherwise be disapproving. He has seen Direcris' work before.

"Your tall furry friend is right to warn you of the treasures sir knight. Certainly not all are cursed though. There may be more profit there." She brings the jewelry box back out, "Since I have your word now let me be the one to tempt you, and alleviate your tight-lipped companion's suspicions." She opens it clearly, revealing an assortment of gold and platinum jewelry, embedded with an array of pearls and gemstones. Glancing at it, the value must be several thousand gold at least.

"Gear? I don't know what you have nor what you might need but I'm sure the store down the road would have the tools of your trade."

(You can buy any non-magical adventuring gear at cost from an outfitter down the road)

(Direcris, let me know if you cast the spell discreetly or not)

The woman's surface thoughts seem filled with anxiety, but it is lessened as it seems more and more likely that you will take her job.

Gavyn sits back, crossing his arms, satisfied at the payment. He simply nods at the woman.

(Discreet. He traced the sign on the side of the cup and muttered the words as he brought it to his lips)

"Since the decision has been all but made, may I ask one more thing of you?" Direcris sets his cup down. "Why us? Has no one else been tempted by your offer? Or have they just not returned?"

Sir Gadston

Gadston looks at his companions. "What gear do you believe we will need for this?" he asks. 

"We have hempen rope...but perhaps we will need silk rope and a grappling hook. A block and tackle too. Sacks for treasure or prisoners, and manacles. Chalk to mark our way. Holy water if we can get it."

Uri sounds like he has reeled off this list more than a time or two before.

"We may need an advance to cover these costs."

"I was wondering if we would need to climb the tower from the water that surrounds it," Dench says. "Uri convinces me, however, that we are well equipped. I'm ready when you are, friends," he says.

Gavyn nods at Uri's list, having gone through it with him before. He stands and gathers his things, ready to go.

She looks to Direcris, "Others? No, none have gone yet. None seemed up to the task or had ill intentions. You lot seem suited. I believe you will succeed."

She places a pair of platinum and pearl earrings on the table. "For your costs. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be turning in." She stands slowly and walks toward the inn's entrance with a measured step.

(The pair is worth 500 gp)

Sir Gadston

After taking mental note of his current equipment Gadston seems sastified. As the Lady rises to leave Sir Gadston will rise and give her a nod as she turns to go. 

"I am sure we will succeed my Lady." he says.

After she leaves Gadston will sit back down.

"I am unsure what extra equipment that may be needed. I defer to your judgement in this." he says with a nod.