((that’s quite a visual)) 

((Nom nom nom CRUNCH))

Aelar nods.  "Probably.  I'll see what I can find out, assuming I can get back in there.  It was tough the last time.  The dwarves at the Hearth might have more stuff, too.  Maybe if Hyre and I learn about the history of the Skell region that'll help us figure out what's going.  With what you can tell us, Atetra, maybe we can make some concrete guesses, or at least the dwarves might.  And they'll definitely want to meet you, Raia."  He says this last with a big grin.

Hyre shakes his head. "I've read a little about them, but it was mostly their early history, not nuch about their magical capabilities. It's possible there's more information in the library, but I can't reach there. The same is true for practicing magic, Lazlo; without proper guidance or books, we will never be able to learn that. Even with it, there's no guarantee I can learn it."

"I count this company as the wisest I know. What say you all? Miss Kina, you've seen more of this land than any of us...what course should we plot?  Kalista, we trust your judgement... what do you think we should do? Atetra, you've lived through captivity with these horrors. What are your thoughts on a plan going forth? Leon, we've come to rely on your strength. Any ideas for boldly moving forward? Hyre, Aelar... anything to add? Lady Raia are you enjoying your...ox ? Would you like another? Knowing what you do about the Skell, what advice can you give us?"  Lazlo tries his best to get ideas from everyone at the table. 

Kina sits up on her withers and snaps her fingers.
"Right! Almost forgot about that; the Guiston city council has requested your help... as the only current residents of Hon... to guide the detachment of Guiston watchmen in fortifying Hon to make it an outpost while a rescue effort is formulated. They mostly need to be told which buildings can be broken down if needed and which to leave alone. Guiston wants to help, at least in some capacity. It's hard to say how genuine their intentions are, but at the very least, you can return to your homes and properly close them up so they're not broken down for fortifications or fuel." Kina explains.
"It makes sense, at least. Hon is closer to Skell territory and since Atetra was able to return, it means that the Skell are active in the area. Hon could make a suitable platform to launch a rescue attempt from." she says.

Atetra finds new strength in the warm embraces of his friends. He smiles and returns a wave to Kallista as he turns to Aelar and says “Aelar, unfortunately I can recall very little from when I was enthralled by the dark magic but worry not my friend I’m hopeful yet. I believe these monsters may value the townsfolk as working slaves, I feel as if liberation may still be entirely possible.I’ve been sharpening my skill under the guidance of Kina but have meet a few friends on the way as well. A women named Edna gave us refuge and helped me with my bow training, and a lovely creature named Barna who attempted so much needed healing to no avail but still helped work out the kinks after a long training session.”He then throws back his drink from Lazlo taking down the ale faster than it had been poured. He then approaches Lazlo with his empty glass extended expectantly as he says “I know just as much as you about these skell Laz, but if you want my opinion I would suggest attempting to understand this dark magic before pursuing a rescue operation otherwise I fear we will all end up in the same boat in which we started.”

"Creature?" Hyre looks at Barna. "Even I know not to call people that way." He then turns to her. "So, you've met Atetra already?"

Lazlo pours his friend another mug as he turns to Kina. “And we’re supposed  to guide them back to our empty town?” He snorts. ”What the Skell left behind the watch may soon claim. Do we meet with the council or report to the watch?” He looks to Carrie and gently butts horns with hers. “When do we leave?”

Barna smirks and nudges Hyre.
"He at least got it half right." she says. "Keep ignoring my advances and you're likely to see me as a 'beast' soon, though." she adds, grabbing his thigh and giving a rough, but not painful, squeeze.
Kina looks to Lazlo.
"That's part of why it might be a good idea to return to Hon, to be sure the Watch DOESN'T get sticky fingers. We've seen the corruption that raises its head in the Guiston council. It might be worth keeping an eye on them. They've already buttressed the town walls with Guiston masonry and set up a field base, including a training ground. It might be good to take advantage of." she says.
"As for your other question, no, they already know their way to Hon. I took them there, remember? And I am happy to report that by and large, the individual homes have been left untouched. The Skell didn't bother pillaging for treasures. They seemed to be more after raw materials and official documentation." she says.
"Atetra helped me gather some of your belongings from Hon and put them in your rooms already, mostly the essentials and items of comfort. We got as much as I could pull." Kina adds.
Barna clears her throat and opens her overcoat, revealing what she's wearing beneath. It's one of Hyre's shirts.
"I may have stolen a shirt or two. Not because they smelled like you and it was a comfort while you were gone and I completely deny sleeping with them next to my head, I don't know WHERE you'd get that idea from." she says, crossing her legs and folding her arms in an indignant way.

"I... guess you can keep it? As an exchange for this shirt you picked for me here in Guiston?" Hyre didn't care too much about what clothes he wore as long as they're comfortable. He did wonder why Barna would consider his shirt comfortable. She was larger than him in multiple dimensions; the shirt must either squeeze on her or have expanded to fit. The thought reminds him of the dress she wore when they first met. 

Aelar listens attentively to everything.  Raia, do you still think we should keep our connection secret from the Guiston City Council?  And when'll you be strong enough to do that ritual?  Do I sound anxious?

"Thanks, Kina, Atetra.  I really appreciate what you did, in bringing our things back to us.  It'll be nice to have more than 1 set of clothing.  I'm not sure about going back to Hon, though.  Not for me and maybe not for Hyre.  The information we need for what...we're doing and what we want is not in Hon.  I don't like the idea of splitting up again, though."

While the table is engaged and talking to each other, Lazlo excuses himself and tries to find an opportunity to talk to Hana the Centauress. When he can catch her in a place where there is no danger of the conversation being overheard, he addresses her. "Hana, I wanted to thank you for the kindness you've shown us since we've arrived here. Out in the wilds, we were all able to spend a lot of time with Sir Geoffrey... He talked of you often. I think it did his soul a good turn to get him out of his dusty house and around people who care for him. I mean he is a likeable sort of fellow once you get 'round the rough edges, isn't he?" He chuckles. "He took a wound out there, fighting the nastiest biggest terror bird I've ever seen. Afterwards, once he made sure we were all safe we tried to stitch him up and he just shrugged us off. Wouldn't have it. Although He did say he could use a proper back rub from all his aches and pains- you know from being a bit long in the tooth you know. 'If only your little hands were big enough to give me a proper rub down. With some kind of fragrant linament." He said and then sighed like the worlds weariest soldier." His face, which had grown sad suddenly brightened. "And then I thought of you! Who better to help the poor man. He trusts you- you both have years of friendship behind you. And you know Sir he would never ask for help when he was hurting. And I mean look at your hands compared to mine? Massive, strong hands (but surprisingly delicate and refined looking). Maybe you might see clear to setting the old Sir to rights? Just a thought, you know sometimes these things just pop into my mind and I can't rest until I get them out." He says, smiling up at her. He tries as best he can to guage her response- did she think he was crazy? or was there a soft spot there for the old Knight. He supposed he would have to speak to Sir Geoffrey at some point, convinced the pair were a match made in heaven. 

Performance: 10

Persuasion: 15

Insight: 13

Walking back to the table, Lazlo takes his seat beside Carrie. "I Just did a good thing, I think. Or else the exact opposite. TIme will tell." He brushes a strand of her hair back and smiles. "It's really good to see you, Carrie. Say, do you know where I might be able to get ahold of some fragrant linament? The kind an old gaffer would use to ease his lumbago?"

((ooc: Is Sir Geoffrey here at the saloon? ))

Kallista upon hearing they found her belongings, rushes to finish her food and practically runs up the stairs to her room.

((Geoffrey is indeed, they all are.))

Barna's eyes close halfway as she regards Hyre. She looks sidelong at Carrie sitting in Lazlo's lap.
"This is the boy I've fallen in love with. Gods help me." Barna says with a deep sigh.
As she does, one of the buttons of Hyre's shirt gives up and pops off, beaning Carmen in the forehead. Barna cloes her overcoat and blushes purple.

Hana takes in Lazlo's performance and falls for it utterly. She looks at the old soldier and curls her arms up near her chin, an apprehensive look on her face.
"It is true, he never really wanted help despite what happened." she says, and then pats Lazlo's shoulder.
"I'll tend to our good sir knight. You needn't convince me further." she adds, then clops over to the old knight and stands behind his chair, laying her hands on his shoulder and checking him over for wounds.
Geoffrey seems surprised that Hana is fussing over him, but he allows it, the old friends continuing to reconnect.
Whether there were ever sparks between them, however, remains to be seen. After all, Hana has raised two daughters already. Maybe there was never an attraction when they were younger, but after having both lost their loves, they can at least comfort one another.

Raia looks to Aelar and makes a face as she considers someting. The pair seem to be able to just look at each other and a wordless conversation happens between them.
Kina responds to Aelar.
"Honestly, as much as I can appreciate your desire to get out there, you all have done more than anyone would expect of you. The Guiston Watch is already at Hon and I wouldn't be overly trusting of their judgement on what to save and what to sacrifice." she says. "Despite that, though, they ARE at least interested in TRYING a rescue. They are well trained soldiers... and I'm not keen on letting you march right back out into danger."
"Oh, I made sure to get your rocks, Kallista!" Kina calls after the tiefling.

Leon sits back in his chair, tending to old sores and cramps from a long journey out in the wilderness. Despite the wild dangers the party faced, he feels more confidence in his own abilities and is glad to have reunited with an old friend from Hon. 

Still, he regrets that he's taken a more passive role of late, and vows to step up his game a little. If he's to live up to his forefathers, Leon knows that he must brave whatever risk and hardship comes his way. 

(Sorry for not posting for so long! Thanks to Kina for botting Leon and helping me catch up with everything that's been going on. I'll try to return to a regular posting schedule soon.) 

ooc: WELCOME BACK, RAZOR!

Aelar nods back at Raia.  That sounds smart.

"Kina, I can't speak for the others, but, for me, the I've done enough when our families and friends are free and safe.  Anything else and the job's not done.  The way I see it, the Guiston Watch is there to help us, not the other way around."

((Welcome back RazorDawn))

”I’m nervous about splitting us up. I’m sure it’s an unwritten rule somewhere in cases like this... but I’m not thrilled with the thought of Guiston’s Finest knocking things down. If we do save the townsfolk- they’ll need something to come back to...”  Lazlo sips his ale and places the cup on the rough wooden table.  “Each according to their talents, eh? Those of us who can study, or research or dig for clues should do so- the rest should try and keep Hon from turning into rubble.” Lazlo turns toward Aelar and Raia. “What say you both? Lady do you have advice for us?”

Kina looks to Aelar with genuine concern and empathy.
"Believe me, I understand wanting to do everything you can to help your people, but... you all should be worrying about apprenticeships or if you're going to move to one of the other city states to find yourselves, not... lining up to fight in what is shaping up to be a war... but I'm not your mother. I wouldn't presume to tell you, any of you, what to do when it's not my people or families on the line." she says.
Geoffrey speaks up then.
"Why not do both?" he asks.
"If you need research materials, where do you think my library came from? I may not have any official authority anymore, but I'm still owed plenty of favors; they won't miss a few old books borrowed by an old knight." Geoffrey winks at the end in an overdramatic way.
"You could do your research at Hon's outpost, and you'd be FAR less restricted there than you would be here, and they'd have military facilities, far better than what I have collecting dust in my basement. I guarantee you that the soldiers at the outpost won't give a toss about Guiston city council politics. You might even get a chance to handle a rifle." he says, looking to Leon.
"As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm for the blade, it wouldn't hurt to be versed with the latest military equipment. It'd keep you from becoming an old dusty relic."
Raia hmmms and rubs at her neck.
"I'll admit... I'm not keen on the idea of separating you, either. It seems best to keep you all together for now, if for no other reason than the city council is apparently now aware of refugees having snuck past Guiston's walls. I can't imagine they have any reason to try and expel you, but it's easier for me to keep an eye on you all when you're together... just in case."
Grimbuld snorts.
"Yes, you certainly did a spectacular job guarding them before, dragon." he mutters.

Aelar's temper flares at the latest biting comment from the old ranger.  "I thank you again for your help, Mr. Grimbuld, but I must ask you to watch your tongue and not reveal what is secret. And, at least Raia tried to help. I don't know what your problem with her is but if you can't be civil then perhaps you can be quiet." He speaks in a low hiss that doesn't carry beyond the table and is amazed to hear his father's voice in that last sentence.  How many times had atar told him exactly that when he'd once again put his foot in it.

He feels a little foolish speaking to so to their guide but, still, enough was enough.  No, she hadn't saved the town but she had made it possible for them all to escape.

He continues in a more civil tone himself, "You're right that Raia wasn't able to save the town but the whole reason you know there's a town to be saved is because of her. Do you think we could've escaped if she hadn't distracted those metal guards?  We'd've been caught again, or killed.  I'm grateful for your help and Kallista thinks alot of you, and I thinks she's right to but could you please stop swiping at Raia?"

Turning to Geoffrey, he asks, "Do you mean do our research in Hon?  Go back to Hon, all of us, do our training there, and our research?  Where did your library come from?"