Kerri takes the bag and goes feed the horses.

Edvord remarks to Cico in a hushed voice as the pair continues following after the wagon, "Unless I am mistaken, Mirt did not task us with feeding the beast. What could those three be up to that is taking this long... surely they have the required information by now."

“They are likely attempting to recruit the horse to tend bar at the Troll’s Skull.” Cico answers.

Aldrik laughs, having just spent the last few minutes observing the chaos. "Would certainly increase profits, probably. Talking horse and chalking ghost. Don't think that's anyway related to the mission, and not sure we even need Mirt if Lyss's benefactor has better terms. His were, pardon my Moonshae, shit. He'd have 100% control before we even finished the remodel."

He looks at Edvord and Cinco. "Begs the question as to what we're doing, now - if the girls have a way to get the inn running sans our intervention, seems my charts and diagrams were for naught. I still feel bad about little Lyss getting drained out by that shadow. The fact that she woke up and isn't casting one now is... concerning, even if she's still full of mischief."

Cico looks to the side to avoid Aldrik's gaze but brings himself to look back, not quite directly in his eyes. His thumb rubs furiously against his index finger.

"The shadow might still find its way home," Cico says.

He looks up and down the streets, briefly resting his gaze on the officious Arquette.

"Something is wrong in . . . " Cico looks down, not comfortable suggesting his own ideas, then back up, "something is wrong in this city. The Troll's Skull being remodeled will not stop whatever is happening. And it may not be contained within the city walls."

He looks up to Mount Waterdeep looming large over the city. His fingers on one hand count to five.

"I must go up there. There may be some answers."

(What does Aldrik know about Mount Waterdeep? Viper knows nothing...)

History: Nat 20, total of 20 (in game log -- I've been seeing a lot of weird errors in forum posts)

In response to Aldrik, "The old wolf does have business acumen... why settle for favorable terms if you believe you are the only game in the city. Lyss' shadow does necessitate further scrutiny... but do not fret over the issue, she will come out of whatever this is stronger."

In a very hushed voice the wizard adds to himself, "... or not."

Edvord takes out a short piece of wire and directs it towards the carriage and Kerri. Edvord whispers, "You may want to hurry your children along... Cico has a mountain to climb."

Kerri finishes feeding the horses, spending extra time with the one with the flower behind her ear. As she leaves, she seems satisfied in some way. "Thanks for you help." The driver nods "Where you heading? I'll make a diversion right to the door if you need."

Cico watches as Kerri leaves the horses.

”Are we done?“

Aimee looks around and absently scratches behind her ear.

She mind sends to Lyss,

"We good? I think we're good here!"

"The Yawning Portal," Kerri says with a smile. "And I think you're horses are fine. I dont think that smell was coming from them. It looked like some of the sewer was opened up nearby."

Early afternoon at the Yawning Portal is a busier affair than most taverns in the city. There is some relief from Three-strings wailing as he sits at the bar with a soup and has a very one-sided conversation with Dernan. With the lunchtime trade mostly over, bonnie is clearing glasses from tables. 

Kerri spots her targets almost immediately. A burly female half-orc sits alone at a table. She flexes her muscles as she looks over the room,  her gaze lingering on particularly strong looking patrons. The table is directly in front of a booth, from which you can glimpse long golden hair and the head of an exquisite lute.

Cico frowns as the carriage leads them to the Yawning Portal. He looks at Aldrik and Edvord to see if this makes any more sense to them.

"This is not Mirt's." Cico finally says.

Arquette butts in. "No, but it is the perfect time for an ale break. This surveillance gig is hard work. Promise not to do any crime for an hour or so?"

"Ya Cico! No crime!"

She wags a finger at him.

"Pie break!"

Aimee heads straight to Durnan and Three-Strings, waving Lyss after her. She gives Three-Strings a hug before saying to Durnan,

"One pie for your best troll killers! Not cherry or rhubarb, they're nasty!"

"Only no crime for an hour," Cico says as Aimee walks by. "After that, for some reason, we appear to have permission."

Aimee calls over her shoulder,

"Come have pie Cico! We can discuss crime over pie!"

Aldrik responds to Cico. "No idea. But at least Kerri is not currently yelling at me or Eddie. But!" The man swings down from Mouse and tied him to a post, giving the horse a quick treat before coming up to the elf.

"Never turn down a good opportunity for a better ale and best company, am I right?" Aldrik says, slapping Cico on the back. 

Aldrik follows Kerri in, keeping an eye on her but not appearing to be attached, instead at a comfortable distance in case she needs backup 

"I like rhubarb and cherry, I'll have any that Aimee doesn't want."

Cico follows the others in, joining the group going for pie.

"We often mix rhubarb and strawberry together in the filling at the monastery," Cico says. "I do not like that. Cherry would be nice to try."

He eyes the tavern cautiously, happy to see it's not too busy and noisy.