The group spends the coming days getting used to a more normal civilian life. No longer having to struggle for every coin and actually having their basic needs met takes a lot of stress off the youths. Academy life feels much more like what they would expect to experience at their age, though the group is recognized everywhere they go. The satyr triplets, with the help of Lazlo, refine their performances as he tries to help them earn enough money to afford safe passage to Valis.

(Lazlo, if you could give me 5 performance rolls--then take the highest one, and roll 1D10. That's the multiplier for determining how many silver pieces Lalzo manages to raise for the triplets' travel plans)

Barna concentrates on completing her training, but due to her status, is allowed to visit the academy when she can. However, she often has to work through a throng of admirers to get a chance to speak to Hyre. She seems more determined than ever to stay by his side, and even learns what she can to assist in the raising of Hyre's bullet hawk, who is growing up well.

Raia begins to make plans to insert herself into the laboring population where Atetra was discovered. With her draconic senses, she'll be able to track the Skell and use her talents to hide among the prisoners.

Kallista in particular probably isn't loving the attention she gets from the student body. Thankfully, Grimbuld often has her training out in the wilds surrounding the city. Though he was healed of his wounds, the encounter with the Labors has clearly left its mark on his old body, and he has a harder time moving around than he did before.

Ok, Performance 181119177and Multiplier 9 (so, I guess 182)

As Lazlo spends his time trying to help get the Satyrs on their feet and off to a better life, he wonders if letting them go without him was a good decision? He knew, of course that they could very well take care of themselves... but maybe he would be better off with them.  He thinks about his impact on his friends journey- and his accompishments seem insignificant compared to their heroism and sometime godlike powers. What could he offer them? Other than his incredible quick wit and willingness to quaff ale at the drop of a hat...nothing much. Even his writing, of late had stagnated.  He felt uninspired. Stuck in a rut. Mired in a...quagmire? "That's just sloppy writing. Next you'll be rhyming Jet with Suffragette." The satyr sighs then slaps himself in the face. "Put on a happy face, Goat. Nobody pays a busker for sad songs." 

Carmen, Cameron and Carmine need a bit more money in order to secure a place in one of the caravans heading to Valis. It's not exactly a quick trip; Valis, by kite or land, is nearly a month's travel. It's always a risky venture moving through the wilds, though the better caravan leaders minimize that risk by hiring on the best guards and drivers. Along the most well-established trails there are fortified outposts that travelers rest at and resupply to make it at least a little more comfortable and slightly less harrowing.

The trio estimate that in order to have enough money to both make the trip to Valis and have enough left over to avoid sleeping on the streets that they'll need an additional 80 silver pieces.

"it's not that we hate it here... far from it." Carrie explained one night.
"More than anything, I WANT to stay with you, Scruffers." Scruffers became the pet name Carrie would use with Lazlo in their more intimate moments.
"But I need to keep my brothers safe. And... it's not safe here in Guiston anymore. From what I've heard people whispering, some aren't sure if ANY place is safe, but at least we'll be further away from Skell territory."

The only consolation is that given some of the rumblings Lazlo has heard in the academy from his various teachers, it may come to pass that the group may actually be called to Valis to again testify their experiences should they choose to confront the Skell directly for their aggression.

Hyre is kept up to date about the research going on with the captured Skell labor and the lone prisoner they managed to secure. The prisoner is proving to be very difficult to crack. He's utterly unmoved by conventional interrogation and even mystic persuasion is proving to be ineffectual, while the runes used in the Skell labor are completely foreign to Guiston's scholars. It seems that they've encrypted their runes, making the 'instructions' unintelligible, and finding the cipher is taking time.

((Oh yes, almost forgot, since Hyre and Lazlo and Kallista have regular employment, the group will likely end up with more money than the typical novice adventurers get when they leave Guiston.))

The days Kallista is at the academy, her focus is on her work and avoiding large crowds of people. But every once and a while she seems to be ever so slightly intrested in seeing what other people actually seem to think of her. More out of nerves than anything else.

Aelar splits his time, studying magic at the Academy, studying different magic with Raia.  He spends a few hours every few days at the Hearth and library, reading all the history he can find, especially military history.  He does not neglect his job at the farm.  Not only does he still need the coin, but he enjoys the work and the physical exertion.

He also spends as much time with his friends as he can.  One day, about a week after the bonding ceremony, he invites them all to the inn for an evening of relaxation and fun.

When they're all sitting around, he calls out to the innkeeper [ooc: sorry...couldn't remember her name], "Thank you so much for everything...please bring us a round, whatever my friends want."  Looking at the others, he goes on, "So, how's the past week been?  Done anything interesting?  Raia taught me a new spell today.  Not sure how useful it is, but it looks cool!"  Raising his hand, he shoots a stream of multi-colored stars into the air over their heads.  "That one's called Prestidigitation."

Hyre finds a way - or perhaps the ways find him - to always be busy. Studying, cooking with Hana, caring for his bird... spending time with Barna if all the stars align and they both have time. Sleep is a luxury that money can't buy - so it seems - and Hyre doesn't get as much of it as he needs. At the very least, the crowds that often gather around the others (and either himself, Barna or both, I'm not really sure what you meant), don't bother him too much. It confused him at first, but quite quickly he gets used to ignoring them and just doing what he's doing as if they're not there. He cannot spare time attention to any more people. 

It's a good thing that Aelar called them to the Horseshoe, or it would be difficult for Hyre to join them. Here, though, he can take his break to sit with the others. "More of the same, and it's only getting more intense. Hopefully, once the hawk is capable of taking care of itself, I'll have a little less to worry about. It is interesting to raise an animal - you learn about yourself as much as you do about them - but I would really like a whole night of uninterrupted sleep."

(By the way, is the hawk a male or a female?)

((The hawk is whatever gender you'd like to make it. Also, thanks for suggesting an actual place XD I forgot to do that. I'm a little brain foggy due to more painkillers. I love fall but it's an abusive relationship more often than not.))

Lazlo claps in delight at Aelar's transmutation. "Our ability to study will afford us that much more of an advantage... It's funny- I always hated the schoolhouse in Hon. I never saw myself as a student- but the Academy is SO different. We get to learn about what WE want. Cheers to all our efforts"  the satyr says raising his glass. Then he clears his throat. "Look, um... there's something I want to talk about with you all- now that we're together..." Should he share his thoughts about joining the Satyrs on their journey to Valis? He chokes up a bit, and then recovers with a loud belch.  "Oh, the ale seems stronger tonight! Well- I thought I'd let you know that your infamy in town is growing. Some performers of late have started singing ballads about your heroics. Nothing particularly noteworthy- or offensive per say but... I know I could do better. I propose getting ahead of the trend and composing songs that will be sung in taverns and inns for generations. The 'Young Heroes of Guiston' series would of course highlight your noteworthy accomplishments but more than that, show you as you are- mortal and flawed. And they'd be damn catchy. I mean I'd use all the 'Five tricks of songwriting we learned from The Beatles' I learned at the Academy. I know, I know- the idea of songs being sung about you make you cringe. Hyre, Kallista- I get it... but it's already happening. Have you heard "Boy with a bird"? garbage. What about "Dark Winged Avenging Angel"? lackluster! Or the strangely popular "Dragonelf at the Gates". Amatuer hour! IF you'd allow I'll make something marvelous for us all. AND- it might help me earn the 80 silver the Satyr siblings need to get on their way to Valis..."  That was a nasty bit, making them feel guilty- but better that than telling his friends he was thinking of scarpering off.  "But... I wouldn't do it without your consent and I'd want to know of the moment you're most proud of. What moment would be your defining one? When were you at your best, what are you most proud of? What flaw makes you relateable, as a hero? Every hero has one- the one spot dragon blood didn't cover on Sigurd's heel because of a stray clover (sorry Raia).  I want to write it all, if you'd like."  The satyr looks around at the table, waiting for a reaction from his friends. 

"As much as I'd love to hear more songs about ourselves, I don't think it is wise. If you make a song too catchy, I'll hear it for the rest of my life. At least, if the songs are as bad as you say, then people will forget them eventually. Besides, I'm not sure why I'm put into those songs. All I did was keep watch on an immobile piece of metal. I could have not been there and nothing would change." Really, he has no idea why he's in those songs. He hasn't heard of "Boy With a Bird", but he cannot understand why anyone would write a song about that. He knows he's not the first person who raised a bird in town - there were Geoffrey and Grimbuld, and surely others - and either way, neither Hyre nor she did anything interesting. "You should write something about yourself, perhaps? The... ah... intoxicated Satyr and the... ah... his Shawm?" Hyre might be smart, but he should not be allowed to name songs. Or anything, really. 

Lazlo blushes and scratches the back of his knotted mane of auburn hair. "I guess there are many who could sing about my 'shawm' ...those interested should see me directly!" he laughs. "It may not be wise... making these songs...but the people's appetite for a catchy ditty will not be so easily slated. "Boy with a Bird" is currently rated at an 8 on the Academy scale- and believe me it sucks. Completely simplistic and not at all about who you are Hyre. It's not so much about what you did,  but about the mystery and wonder the citizens of Guiston settle around your neck. It could be a wreath of flowers, or a noose- depending on popular opinion. Right now?  You're intelligent but silent persona with bird companion is mystifying the local populace. I understand you ignore them and try and go about your business but... I think that might make your image  all the more attractive.  I'm sure Barna has noticed the rampant Hyre fans camping outside your lodging (mostly made up of marriagable age singletons). They have a handsignal, it's a bird with flapping wings that goes like this" Lazlo imitates the bird hand signal. "Ka-kaw! Ka-kawww!".  Lazlo shrugs. "I get you don't WANT songs about you but they're out there already. You haven't answered my questions, however. What are you proudest of, about the events of the past few months?" The satyr waves his hand for another round- this may prove to be a long night. 

"Hyre fans? I thought they were trying to get to Aelar through me." Whether he means that as a joke or not is unclear, and perhaps he's not sure of that himself. "Either way, there's not much to say. I can't study, take care of her, work for Hana, spend time with Barna and sleep, all while dealing with more people. If they have enough time to come to me, they should probably spend it elsewhere." He says that as a matter of fact, as if it should be obvious to all. "But, if you must write a song about me... make it a boring one, on purpose. Or, rather, make it a good song, but write it in a way that makes me seem boring. That should probably get people away from me. Oh, and write a good one that doesn't leave your head for a long time - about Leon. If anyone, I'm sure he'll appreciate the attention. As for your question..." He considers it for a moment. What was his proudest moment? There weren't many moments when he was proud, but there were a few. "Well," he says eventually, "not exactly a moment, but I'm sure what would make my mother the proudest is that somehow, I didn't accidentally make Barna bored of me. I think it's a much better achievement than learning how to cook. Also, if you include her in your song, I'm sure it will make the Hyre fans you described lose interest in me. That would actually be quite helpful."

"Trying to get to Aelar? Do I need to show you the bird sign again? He's got his own fan base. Well- you've given me a bit to go on... a boring song. Hmmm... boring. I'll try my best but... that is a true challenge. I will include Barna in your song...but, my fear is that having a significant other will make your fans go all the more crazed. A hero with a pet raptor and a love interest? I can try making that boring! I'll include something about sleep apnea and toenail fungus in there for good measure. Surely that'll do the trick."  This would prove harder than he anticipated. "Aelar, Kallista? Any advice for me?"

Aelar listens to the byplay between Lazlo and Hyre with interest and plenty of amusement.  Will Hyre ever understand his value and worth, Raia?  He's always so self-effacing, same as Kallista, though in a different way.

Though he shouldn't be, he's caught off guard when his name comes up.  Trying to get to him?  A fan base?  What did he do?  Kallista did most of the work and it was Hyre's idea to get a prisoner.  "Um...uh...fan base?  Why?  Um, proudest moment?  Well, I guess it'd be how we all stayed closed.  Does that work?"

The idea of people singing songs about her turn's Kallista's face a darker shade of purple.

Raia is taking a break from her preparations to voluntarily join the prisoner throng of the Skell. She has many spells and reagents to craft to be certain she's not putting herself or the people of Hon in more danger.

She gives a wry look to Aelar before she regards Lazlo.

"It wouldn't surprise me one bit if the four of you are asked to make the journey to Valis on behalf of Lady Ashwa. If Guiston is going to call for aid in securing its borders from further Skell aggression, they will need witness testimony. You may be young, but your accounts at Hon will be supported by the documentation by the garrison currently stationed there, and your participation in the defense of Guiston has been officially recognized." Raia suggests.
"Speaking of, why not just ask a favor of Lady Ashwa? You're one of the heroes of Guiston, I'm sure she can make time for you.  If nothing else, she IS sleeping with one of your friends." she adds.

At the mention of Valis and being asked to maybe go there, Kallista jumps a little and knocks stuff off the table. She ducks down to pick up the stuff.

"Everything alright, Kallista?" Aelar asks, a little concerned.

"Hmm?" Kallista sits up too fast, banging her head on the underside of the table. "Owch..." she rubs the top of her head. "I mean ya... everythings fine.."

"What's your deal with going to Valis, Kallista? You look like you've seen a ghost...I didn't think you could turn a darker shade of purple after I mentioned the songs..."  The Satyr says, shelving the discussion for now. Although his friends had spent as much time as him in taverns and even occasionally could be coaxed to sing- their opinions on what made a good song were as boring as Hyre wanted them to be.  He turns toward Raia "Are you saying I should ask Lady Ashwa for the 80 silver? Or that we could all go to Valis? or both?" 

"I... umm... it doesnt matter," Kallista says.