"I see. I will think on the King's condition. Speak with you again at dinner, Ran."

History 8 - anything I know about Hemmon Green?

Varen turns to go, headed to one of the empty rented rooms.

Dropping her bag carefully to the ground, she takes a long drag of water from her canteen, and kicks off her boots. She folds her traveler's outerwear neatly, and then her armor, placing it on the table, and inspects where the bolt grazed her armor. "Lucky it didn't get through completely. Just left a scratch." She uses some clean water to wash out the wound, putting a cloth bandage over it.

She stands, going to the door and locking it.

From her pack, Varen removes her kit and reagents. A dash of purified alcohol, crushed Belladonna petals, carrot leaf, and powdered copper go into a black-painted vial, along with some other ingredients. She heats the vial over a small candle, stirring with an tiny iron rod. Finally, she pricks her thumb, letting several drops of her blood drip into the vial. Closing her eyes while holding the vial in one hand, she chants quietly, moving her other hand to form the correct runes. A purple light glows from the uncorked vial, before she seals it back up with the cork and places it into her belt satchel. Her reagents and kit go back into the protective wooden case, which goes to the bottom of her bag.

She sleeps.

Hit Dice 12 6

#shortrest #naptime

Ran drags a chair in front of the king and queen's room. He lets them know that he is there and then settles in, with his head resting against the door handle. Even if asleep someone will need to wake him to get the door open.

(OOC - Short Rest - 2HD for recovering hit points: 23 )

Kiran moves towards the bar tender, his amulet of the church worn openly on his chest and probably looking more alert and refreshed than the others given that his only wounds were a small scratch along his arm and some bruised knuckles, "Hail good sir, by the Light I thank you for granting us refuge for the night. May I inquire as to the planned meals for tonight and the morning? I'm sure you've heard the expression 'fit for a king'? This is your chance to prove your meals truly are. I imagine that might aid your business somewhat, yes?" 

After waiting for a response he'll bow briefly and do a quick sweep of the exterior of the building and verifying the other two are maintaining security and seeing the the remaining guards are getting some sleep, with one posted in the upstairs hall to keep watch through the night.

Finally, he makes his way over to the temple, seeking out any members of his specialized order within the church to ensure his message had been received, and learning what steps they have taken so far.

Elavor assists Ronegan in finding a livery... his memory of the town aiding in narrowing down a (hopefully) suitable place to rent the needed watercraft for the next part of their journey... 

"The town has changed little from my travels here from Ospel. I love the feeling of history here, the charm and warmth the people seem to share openly..." Elavor says as he walks with Petal and Ronegan. Looking at Petal, Elavor says: "And Petal, you've never been on a boat? You'll love it... especially with your fondness of natural things and beauty. You can watch the entire landscape just slide by you. Not bumpy like a horse, and a lot less safer from bandits... usually."

Petal listens in wonder as Ronegan talks with passion about the beauty of the town and nature. 

“To be honest, there are too many buildings, and not enough plants here for my liking. But I’ll try to feel the “charm and warmth” you mention. No, I’ve never been on a boat, I hope it’s as nice as you say!”

While they are investigating the riverfront, whilst Ronegan is looking around, petal smiles at Elavor lowering her voice so Ronegan can’t hear. “You see the world different to the others don’t you? Ronnie’s always trying to solve everything, like it needs and answer, and Varen thinks it’s all out to get you... but you see the beauty don’t you!” 

As the other two are trying to find a boat, Petal just follows them, looking around and trying to take in the atmosphere. She knows very little about trading metal for a boat so keeps out of most of the conversation except pointing at things and asking what they are.

Varen has never seen the wasting sickness before but has heard of it effecting the old ones, King Malachite is seemingly being effected by it at a rapidly increasing rate! As for her knowledge of chancellor Green it's limited to he's the church advisor to the family and is a seemingly devout man of the Light. He also is often in sequestered sessions with the king but you don't know much else.

Ronegan takes a while but aided by Elavor and Petal the group finds and secures passage on two flat boats with minimal available comfort northwest to Ospel which will take about a day as apposed to two by road. Elavor remembers there's an apothecary shop too not just the temple for healing....

Kiran speaks to Barrin Cutgrass, the stout halfling that attended the royal family, and the man seems to bristle but nods at his instruction.

"I run a fine place sir regardless of how high born a body might be...," Barrin replies curtly offering up a menu of standard tavern faire that Kiran knows will be cooked well.

If halflings lack anything it's not hospitality or culinary skill!!

Leaving the inn Kiran walks through Grambler's streets the monk catches stares and glares but no one approaches him. Entering the temple it's a little dim but no less warm and inviting. Nearest the alter he finds a person in white and gold traditional robes of the Lightbringer. The robes are well made but worn from years of wear. This person is praying in earnest and do not seem to notice Kiran has entered the temple that's empty but for this lone robed figure.

Elavor looks to Petal , "It's my job to notice things. The land, the rivers, the curve of the rolling hills... it's not hard to fall in love with the world once you start looking." 

After they find passage, Elavor excuses himself from the group as they return to the inn. Initially heading for the temple, he recalls the apothecary. He decides to head there and see if they're open. Something easy to heal him, instead of having to deal with the people in the temple. And, possibly something for the journey ahead. Wouldn't hurt to be prepared a bit. 

As Petal and Ronegan reach the inn, Ronegan sighs and turns to the gnome. "I suppose we ought to report back to Ran, so he can inform the queen and take credit for our legwork," he says with a small grin.

As he's about to head upstairs, though, he stops and turns around. "I am sorry, but the curiosity is absolutely killing me. Your er...abilities. How exactly did you come by them? I myself have studied these," his voice drops to a whisper "heresies for years. And the boy Onyx is very clever. He may actually possess a talent for spellcraft beyond my own. But you...I can't figure it out. No offense meant. Do you draw your powers from the land? I have heard such tales, but never imagined the ability to transform into beasts was even possible anymore."

Regardless of Petal's answer, Ronegan will likely not be satisfied and will note to himself to observe Petal's casting very closely.

Petal shrugs at Ronegans suggestion that they let Ran take the credit. “If you like... but it was all your work! I just really enjoyed you two showing me around the river!” 

”I don’t know really, back home we all did it... they say you people have forgotten to love the land, but we are all a part of it. These abilities you have.... you get them from books right, aren’t they made of trees? Maybe we aren’t so different after all.” 

Petal looks down at her feet, a little timid. ”Anyway, I’m going to have to act a little more like you - sleeping with no sky above me will be scary, but Opal says I need to blend in.” 

Petal follows Ronegan to inform Ran “Hey, Ran right? Ronegan found us not one, but two boats to take us to Ospel! Isn’t he great! Say, do you know where I’m staying?”

Varen wakes, and gets her gear in order. She keeps her finer clothes folded in the bag, and there is little point in doing more than letting her travel clothes air out when there's still a day or two of travel left. As she leaves the room, she walks over to where Ran is resting against the door. She gives him a light tap on the shoulder to wake him. "I'm headed downstairs. Hopefully I'll catch the others as they come back. An ale and a meal would do us good, I think. Join me when you are ready."

Varen walks downstairs at almost the same moment that Ronegan and Petal are returning upstairs, looking refreshed, her hair hanging loose around her shoulders instead of in the braid she wore on the road. "Ronegan, Petal. Take a moment to yourselves, then come back downstairs. We should talk." She glances around, "Elavor ditch us already? I'll see if I can catch him when he returns as well."

As she scans the pub's common room, she picks a table that would work for the group... something large enough for the six of them, as well as with some distance from any potential eavesdroppers. She heads to the bar, asking Barrin for tankard of his finest ale, and pays the appropriate coin before heading to the chosen table. From there, ale in hand, she scans the crowd.

Perception: 19

Ronegan bobs his head at Petal. "I saw you save our cartographer from a wound that would have killed many. I myself try to only use my knowledge in situations where it can make a difference and save lives. Regardless, I am...impressed."

Now feeling very awkward, Ronegan clears his throat, slaps his sizeable belly and says " Well...." Letting the thought hang, he moves up the stairway, his hand dipping into his hip canister and touching a crystal he keeps in there lightly.

He gives Varen a quick nod on the stairs. "Sensible as always, Varen. I will see you shortly. Order me a bitter and a steak and kidney pie."

As Petal excitedly reports to Ran, Ronegan buts in unable to help himself. "It is not exactly accommodations fit for royalty, but it should save us time. I do not doubt it would reflect badly on the Firstforge family to arrive for these festivities very late. I also think a water passage would keep us much safer from these brigands. Its well known that the River Athos is one of the most traveled passageways to the capital. Those desperadoes wouldn't dare." He says with a dash of bravado, then adds, a bit more seriously, "How is his Highness? He did not look...well."

Petal smiles at Varen, but is thrown by the serious meeting she proposes. 

After talking to Ran, Petal will go to her room and providing she is alone she sits cross legged in the middle of the room, pulling out a sprig of mistletoe, trying to feel the voice of the land in her head. When she finishes her prayer, ten ripe, juicy berries appear in her lap. She puts them in a pouch and heads down to meet Varen.

 goodberry

Ran blinks several times as Petal and Ronegan pepper him with information. The sleep did him good. The aches of the battle and road are gone.

”Why don’t you room with Varen,” he says to Petal. “We’ll need to sleep several to a room.

Then he stretches and adjusts the swords that cross his back.

”After what happened today, arriving at the tournament on time more than makes up for whatever condition your boats are in,” he says. “And the king is very much in need of some good news.”

In the back of his mind, he knows how much halflings enjoy being comfortable. These boats are bound to be adequate.

”The queen will be happy to hear the news as well. Just don’t shout so much when you tell her. And slow down. It’s not a race.”

Ran knocks on the door to the King and Queen’s room, sticks his head in to announce that Master Ronegan has good news that will hopefully cheer the room and then ushers Ronegan in.

”I’m going to make sure the guards have eaten and slept and can stand watch while we have dinner.”

Ran turns and heads down the hall to make sure the guards are ready.

Kiran enters the temple, respectfully quiet, and glances around the temple while he waits for the prayer to finish. When the priest finishes, he will bow his head politely, "Greetings, and may the Light shine on you, my name is Kiran Hallowedsworn, a servant of the Light of the Empire." He'll wait for a response to see if this priest knows who he is before continuing further.

Petal heads downstairs to meet with Varen. She looks around at the Inn, finding it very peculiar, it wasnt stuffy like the keep, but still the atmosphere was very different to the campfire feasts she was used to 

Spotting Varen, she approaches the table sheepishly. “Hey, um.. looks like we’re sharing a room tonight - say, what are you drinking there? We used to make a great wine out of mushrooms back in the forest... do you... think they’ll have that here?” Petal plays with her hair as she speaks, she wasn’t used to these people having serious business with her, it was normally ”get this”, “do that” or  “tell me a fairy tale” and she was unsure of how to fill the time while they wait for the others to arrive.

Ronegan's big bushy eyebrows rocket up into his hairline with surprise as Ran escorts him to the King and Queen's room. Aren't you the dark horse, Ronegan thinks to himself. He had Ran pegged for one of those military types who sought to use their service as a springboard up the ranks of power -- and Ronegan knew plenty of stories throughout the history of the Realm of those who had done exactly that -- through controlling access to those at the top. Depositing him right into a direct audience with the Queen wasn't normal, and it puzzled Ronegan. In fact, nearly everyone on this little expedition had puzzled him so far with the exceptions of Elavor and good old Varen. There were other arcane casters, even in his own household, and the halfling scholar had no knowledge or even suspicion. That galled Ronegan more than he cared to admit. And that monk, Kiran. He was ALWAYS watching, or so it felt. Ronegan had found more than a few of those damned little wooden figures in his school room or the library that Kiran always seemed to be carving. It was another puzzle, and despite his nature, Ronegan hated puzzles.

Trying desperately to smooth down his unruly hair as he bows to the Queen, he briefly describes the long boats he hired for the journey, assuring the Queen that they will be the quickest and most comfortable means of arriving in Ospel. He keeps in mind Ran's advice, and tries to contain himself, though, he cannot help but let a few asides into his story about the history of Lahiri, because, well---it is a fascinating story and the well worth the few minutes it takes to relate some key pieces of it, Ronegan tells himself.

He will also try and discretely observe the King for any signs of the old man's state (Perception or Medicine - 8 - bonus is same for both)

After he finishes, he bows lowly once more adds "A few of the household are planning on having dinner before we retire for the night, mum. With your leave, I shall join them. Can I have anything sent up here for you or the King? Or even the twins?" He adds, looking around for them.

Ran finds he enjoyed the look of surprise on Ronegan’s face. Best to never be too predictable he thinks to himself. Besides, taking credit for the work of others might benefit you in the short term but you lose trust faster than you gain favour. 

After getting the guards squared away and on duty outside the king and queen’s room, Ran goes down to join the others.

He nods a greeting to Petal and Varen and grabs an ale and joins them at the table to wait for the others.

Varen gives Petal a warm smile. "They may have some mushroom wine, but grapes are far more common! We'll never know until we ask."

Varen motions to the bar wench. "My gnomish friend here is curious, if you have any wines made from mushrooms or other less traditional stock. If not, a nice hearty glass of red, maybe something earthy with lots of tannins, if you have a good one."

Varen, as a child of nobility, likely knows good wine.

Varen also remembers Ronegan's beer order, figuring they'd wait on food for everyone to be there.

Varen looks over at the gnome, prior to the others arriving, before stating quietly. "Are you alright? Seemed a bit of a scare, with Pytr and Kiran..." She gives a sly smirk. "I've seen witches, real ones. You certainly are not one of them. I'm glad you are here to help."

While I wrote this one, two more posts popped up... Assume this happened before anyone else joined Varen and Petal :D

Petal, watches the masterful way Varner orders the wine and thanks her profusely, apologising for not knowing the customs. She eases up a bit from Varens reassuring words.

”That was a scare, I’m glad you believe me! I don’t know how anyone could be scared of me, when there’s that creepy Kiran hanging around all the time! I’m ok I guess, it’s just...I was always told it is good to be yourself, but now I have to try to fit in, it doesn’t feel right. I don’t know, I guess I came to the household to share my stories, and get these people to care about the land, but instead I’m becoming more like them. Maybe this is just the way it’s going, and my ways are the old ways for a reason, because one day they’ll be gone....” It was not often that Petals face wasn’t filled with a toothy grin, so she looked very peculiar as she glumly pondered.

Suddenly distracted from her thoughts, Petal animates, looking  excitedly at Varen. “Say, did you say..... witches? That sounds like a great story!” She spots Ronegan and whispers to Varen, “You can tell me all about it later.”

”Hey Ronegan, what did the queen say? Was she happy? Hehe, what am I saying, she’s never happy.”

Before more show up, Ran sits down at the table and looks at Petal (and Ronegan if he’s there already). 

“You did well today. That fight at the ambush may have gone the other way without you. But you need to be careful.”

He pauses, looking for the right words and making sure Kiran isn’t already in the dining room.

”You can get away with a lot on the battlefield but almost nothing off of it. And there are always going to be those with their own agenda. I don’t care if you’re wizards or sorcerers but others do care and they care very much.”

He drinks from his mug of ale and then sets it down on the table.

”I think the queen and the twins will accept you as you are, but the king, the other guards, that priest, Kiran, be careful around them. And when we get to Ospel, you can’t let anyone see what you can do.”

Turning to the bill of fare, he claps his hands together, “now what do they have to eat.”