Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

The blade that Rhuidhen hand Crownsguard feels warm to the touch. The panel that he opened on Crownsguard's forearm has an obvious connective slot to it, and you can see how it would be a simple matter to attach the blade to your person. Holding it close to yourself causes some sort of reaction in the hanging, fibrous material in the hilt, which seems to move of its own accord towards your open forearm.

// This weapon is essentially an armblade longsword. The only difference is that is does not benefit from the Versatile trait. //

The elven wizard gestures permissively. "Whatever you have to hand...perhaps a redundant piece of yourself, if you have such a thing? Any separate systems you aren't using? Or a weapon, if yours are as old as you are."

 Crownsguard tilts his head, “I see. I believe I may have something along those lines. Will you accept information on how I came into being in trade? My mind is fully intact despite the years that have passed. I believe that it would serve you well if you continue to research Netheril.”

The high sorcerer looks disappointed. “Ah...I’m afraid I’m more keen on artifacts. I would happy to trade for something I could tinker with and study. But I would greatly appreciate any memories you could impart, if you were willing!” 

Quote from Hardcopi >>

Marav follows CG... he is just wary of someone wanting to know so much about his new friend. 

// Just a general perception... was the elf meaning him harm, etc...  And yes, he was done talking to the lady.//

 Marav doesn’t see anything that is a cause for worry. The study is well lit and contains many lamps that appear to burn with a calm, purplish flame. 

// If you like you can watch the elf closely and attempt a Wisdom (Insight) check to suss out particulars motives. //

"Yes... Some scrying. The family is still shown as captive, but alive. They seem to be with a barbarian tribe that makes camp within a massive hole in the ground. The weather around and above cold, but within the hole itself, more temperate. I don't suppose this location is known to you?"

“No, but you might be able to find that knowledge in Silverymoon,” says the lady Mithyri. “Careful of knowledge gained by magic, though. It can present a curse as readily as it does a boon.”

As she speaks, a rough-looking man in dark leathers walks through a nearby set of interior doors and approaches her.

“Ah, it has been an absolute pleasure, but I must take my leave now,” Mithyri. “I have other business to attend!” She nods to the man, and he dutifully follows behind her on her way out the door.

Quote from Awaypturwpn >>

The high sorcerer looks disappointed. “Ah...I’m afraid I’m more keen on artifacts. I would happy to trade for something I could tinker with and study. But I would greatly appreciate any memories you could impart, if you were willing!” 

 “I see. Well,” Crownsguard pulls out his old chainmail, “Would you be interested in this? Before I reactivated my systems, I used this chainmail. I believe that it was found in the ruins alongside me. There is a possibility that it was used by Netheril guardsman before I took up its mantle.“

Ink observes the pair as they leave, looking for insignia or other marks, or jewelry similar to Zhent ring the party obtained or that of one of the other factions.

// Perception 15 //

Ink does notice a tattoo on the man's neck, just barely visible as he walks out the door, that appears to be a small, winged reptile.

Meanwhile, at Crownsguard's offer, Rhuidhen brightens. "Ah! Why yes, this would occupy me for quite some time. Netherese chainmail, and in fine condition. I am happy to trade you for that." 

Glancing at the sun outside, he straightens as if to stand. "It's almost time for the town elders to convene, so I must take my leave—but I would love to hear more about your origins and any memories you have of the distant past!" 

As he rises, he addresses Marav just behind Crownsguard, "Oh, yes...you mind telling me who you were talking to there, son? I know a sending stone when I see it!" The wizard winks at the half-orc.

Once Mithyri and her escort are out of the room, and it's just Flint, Rip and Ink alone, Ink, in whispers, will tell the pair of the winged serpent tattoo he saw. 

"hmmm, do you think Zentarim? we will need to be wary when dealing with her"

"Perhaps, but for now, I guess, we wait for Crownsguard and Rhuidhen to return. I don't know what Rhuidhen or the council will be able to do for us, but we should take care of what we say. We don't need unknown people learning what we're transporting."

Flint starts to spit at Rip's mention of the Zhents  but think better of it. "Aye lad, that's their sign. Best we no be consortin' with her. Ah told Rhuiden o' th' ring, but ah'd  sooner not speak on it 'ere na'more. Rhuiden said this town is ruled now by another faction ah'd not 'eard o' before. Maybe best ta hold that close fer  now an' focus 'ere on narrowin' down our search fer Rip's folk."

Marav looks him straight in the eye. "You were mistaken." He then turns and leaves to find the others.

//Stealth for good measure: 18 (no particular reason, just cause it would be a cooler visual if he could blend into the shadows, if it doesn't work the wizard would just see him walk away)

Rhuidhen appears curious, and slightly troubled, at Marav’s words. Marav can feel the wizard’s eyes on the back of his head as he retreats to the foyer where the others are. 

Crownsguard watches Marav sneak off into the shadows before turning to Rhuidhen, “Did you know he can turn into a horse? I think that is neat. In any case, thank you for sharing your research, Rhuidhen. I hope that you will gain great use out of my armor. Please, contact me if you learn anything else.” Crownsguard will extend a hand to shake, and then make his way back to the group if allowed.

Seeing the pair return, "And what of Rhuidhen? I was under the impression that he was supposed to introduce us to someone that could assist us with the search for Rip's family? Otherwise, perhaps we should call it a night and hit the road early. There's rumors of Harshnag being on the road between here and Silverymoon."

“Oh. Please hold.” Crownsguard quickly marches back to Rhuidhen, “Excuse me, were we supposed to get in contact with you about Rip’s family?”

As Crownsguard turns to go back down the hall, he nearly collides with Rhuidhen, who was making a brisk pace towards the main meeting area. 

“Why yes! He was going to be making his case before the elders. We are convening now, if you’ll come along. I have already officially granted audience.”

The High Sorcerer leads you through the lobby’s double doors and into a comfortable meeting room, where a hearthfire glows pleasantly. Several plush armchairs sit facing each other. 

4 people are already seated in their chairs, not next to each other but across the room from each other: a Tethyrian human male in military officer dress; a Shou human woman, graying hair impeccably done; a shield dwarf male, wearing several fine rings and silks; and an Illuskan human woman, whose clothing is nice, but obviously of a lower tier than that of the other elders. 

They all look towards you as you enter. “Vaeril, about time you showed up!” The dusky-skinned human male intones in a deep, rich voice. His bombastic manner is oddly familiar to most everyone (except for Crownsguard). “Are these the ones then? You said something about a petition for help?” 

The rest of the Elders look at you, expectantly.

Ink, hearkening to his military days, stands at ease behind both Flint and Rip, allowing them to take point on this conversation.

Rhuidhen gestures, “My acquaintances, the dwarf Flint and the halfling Rip. They have come to petition us for aid as they combat the giant menace.”