The chance to regroup was important to Victoria. Running around out in the weather was making her feel disheveled, and in a place that passed for a civilized location amid leagues of farms and open, rolling grass, disheveled was not her goal. Their business was serious and as such she took it seriously, but there was little point in looking like a drowned rat or a wet dog in the completion of their tasks if she could possibly help it. Vanity might have been a weak spot of Victoria's. It was not a fatal flaw as of yet, but it was most certainly an influence from time to time. This was one of those times.

This influence caused her to utilize magic openly for the purposes of ridding herself with the brunt of the rainwater inundating her coat and hat (especially her hat; it was her favorite one and big, purple feathers were hard to come by, damnit), not to mention her more modest silken garments beneath. Maybe that was a mistake. Hindsight was interesting that way. But now that she was more or less dry, had a fire nearby to finish off the rest of the job, and was expecting a warm meal any moment now, she had figured on setting up for a little while. Continue engaging in curious conversation. Socialization was her bailiwick, after all, and she was learning a bit about her companions. A short respite like this was just what she wanted.

Unfortunately, this didn't seem to be in the cards. Not exactly known for her passive observation skills, Victoria had absolutely no idea why Marita suddenly got the idea that leaving so suddenly was a great idea. Her first instinct was to protest. Still, she attempted to play along for the sake of group cohesion while still finding a way to complain. "Can not, um, the task wait for an hour more? Food, fire, quiet? These are beneficial things." The tiniest bit of condescension was present in the last sentence, which quickly ceased when she heard Robert speak. Then she got back on the proverbial clock. Her hand trailed down to her dagger, now much closer then her sword and she even reached a tentative mental tendril out to Morty, who was still standing motionless but at the ready.

Then, to her limited grasp on the situation, a lot of confusing things happened at once. While puzzling this out on very short notice, a chalk word was written and Kathryn beat her to the punch on translating it from Elven to Common. But as there was a pause after Kat spoke the word, Victoria jumped on the opportunity to explain. "Geas ...is a pact. A magically enforced agreement, whether or not both parties actually agree. There are many stories of Fae interactions with mortals. Or Hags, or just powerful enchanters binding others to their wills. Whyever would you..?"

She sat up a bit more, looking at Robert directly though her words were for the others at the table. "Hypothetically, a person directed by a Geas would be compelled to performed named actions. Or specific inaction. An individual affected by this could be told to never speak about certain things, or to crow like a rooster every morning, and if they broke the conditions they could expect pain. Pain and death; and immediately."

Victoria could feel the tension around her grow as she pressed her explanation, the implications of which could be massive and situation-altering if they applied to their current investigation. This could not simply be allowed to... "Ah, the soup is ready!" she declared, her voice and expression suddenly shifting to something bright, bubbly, and optimistic. It was the simple things in life, really, that gave it the most color.

“Thank you, V!” Kosara replied in joy as she in turned listened to her bard friend in turn recount a brief summery of her own story and what brought her out there adventuring. If truth was to be told, Kosara had a loose tear in her eye at that point when the half-elf had finished. A lost family member! A journey to discover their unknown fate, a truly dramatic and epic tale worthy journey.” I’m really hoping you find out whatever the truth of it is, V!” Kosara stated, wiping the loose tear from her eye.” If I could help, I will try! Can also probably ask Grandpa next time he appears. Who knows, he might knows something. Or know of somebody who might know something! He seems to know a lot of stuff.”

She nodded, looking now at the dragonborn who was very in tune with the typical adventuring backstory. A trouble brewing at his homelands, a desire to find help and the inability to find said help. Very much classical parts of an adventuring epic in the making.” I haven’t been to or heard of your home, but listening to you, it must have be a marvelous place. I hope your also accomplish your task soon.”

Marita’s tale about her past was not as informative as the first bits she had told them in the past, but it was new and curious still. It made Kosara wonder what her temple had to exile her like that and for her to still follow them despite the exile. She wasn’t a cleric, but she was pretty certain if Marita had crossed the deity she served, she wouldn’t have her powers… probably. Kosara realized that she really must ask her grandpa more questions on religion next time they met. Well him or any priestess or clerics in a temple. It made her now most curious if it was possible to cross the tenets of your faith as a faith based magic user and still access said magic. The sudden proclamation about them leaving right now because they had a thing they were forgetting made her a bit confused… alright she was confused a LOT. Mostly cause she hadn’t had the lunch yet. Robert’s reaction was even more shocking as his tone suddenly changed and he seemed really irritated suddenly. Mostly with Marita’s attempt to get them leave and her excuse for doing so.

What he then proceeded to do was get a chalk and scribble scrabble some scratchings at the table in a language that she didn’t know. She felt like she might have seen it somewhere, but then again she had seen samples of many languages in her time at the Oasis, she had no idea which was what. She knew Common and Infernal and realized that she might do well to compile a bit of a dictionary at the back of her journal of most common words in different languages! Now that was a curious idea! One that she might well explore with V and Kathryn later.” Well grandpa had called me stupid a few times… but I know 2 languages, just not this one. Ask me about infernal and I will tell you all about it.”

To her great benefit and the party’s reassurance Kathryn apparently recognized the thing as ‘Geas’. Being of the magical inclination even as skewed as she was, she nodded at V’s explanation. Made sense, magical contracts were a thing apparently. She wondered what her grandpa knew about them and if what she was doing with her own power was something akin to it?” That… sounds bad.” She added at the end when V relayed that it was possible for the Geas to have some nasty negatives effects should it’s agreement be broken.” But yes, V’s right, food!” She joined in the joy for a meal, before looking at Robert.” So somebody’s holding you with one of those pact things, don’t reply if you shouldn’t. Seems to be a weirdly grand issue of things like these are involved. Anybody capable of affecting that? I know that in the future I might be able to dispell magical effects, but not strong enough yet.”

“Ohh yes, tangents… if you can write it in that language, can you write more things in that language? Or maybe can we ask questions and if you keep quiet on a question, we know you’ve been told to not answer that one or something? Like if you were told to not say WHO did it, then we ask names in succession and when you keep quiet one of them, we know we’ve got the person?” She asked. Contracts and pacts meant words like promises, words had meanings and meanings could be circumvented. Like that time she was told and promised to not eat some sweets as a child, so she instead ate honey instead.

Blackberry made a face at Marita warning him against approaching another towns person.

"Granted, yes that time I did blunder, somewhat." He admitted with a shrug and a good natured smile. "You must admit, however, that her distress was not solely because of me."

He listened intently to the others as they spoke, each describing how they arrived here and their own reasons for travelling. It was an unfortunate common thread among them that they had all either lost something great, or were desperately searching for something. But as they spoke he couldn't see where they all connected before Sheriff Arbalest had employed them all.

"That is most kind of you Lady Katheryn. But for now I shall respectfully decline the offer." He spoke, and smiled with equal apology and gratitude. "As mentioned before, allowing me to accompany you all is more than enough."

The atmosphere changed with the subtlety of being smacked in the face with a dinner plate, and just like the plate, the light hearted conversation shattered.

Marita had suddenly leapt up from the table as if someone had lit a match beneath her seat. Beyond the usual noises of confusion ("Uh, bwah? What?") And snapping his head between her and the others, BlackBerry didn't even get a chance to ask what was wrong as he twisted around in his seat to follow Marita. Then Robert arrived with his task, wrenching BlackBerrys gaze back to the table. Blackberry leant forward in his seat to better see the word.

The word written on the table alone made no sense to BlackBerry, it may as well have been Dwarfish for all that he could read of it. Luckily Lady Katheryn and Victoria appeared familiar with the word and it's meanings. So what was Robert trying to get out of them with this whole stunt?

"If you were after a simple translation, you should have just asked. No need to be rude about it." The comment, to his own horror, slipped out.

BlackBerry then tried to cough to cover his blunder just as the food, mercifully, arrived. Clicking onto the table and sending up a lovely aroma of warm soup. Casting an eye towards the other bar staff, thanking them politely for the food as it arrived, he noticed that they too looked just as confused as he and the party. His appetite and the arriving soup were forgotten for the moment.

"A problem is always best solved with a full stomach and good company." He nodded in agreement to Victoria and Kosara.

But listening on as Kosara continued he felt it may have been a bit of a stretch to assume that the man before them, Robert's if he caught his name correctly, was under some sort of spell. Wasn't it?

But even so BlackBerry watched Robert as the suggestion was given. He couldn't tell if this whole thing was some sort of threat or a cry for help. To him, Robert was a firmly closed book.

"Has something of this nature happened recently, that you know of?"

Here, he was genuinely concerned. Being enchanted to do something against you will sounded absolutely awful and especially frightening if it could cause any pain or death as Victoria had described.

Marita was almost out the door when she heard Robert's remark. She held her hand against the door for a moment before she slowly turned around, a humorless expression plastered across her face. She watched in silence as he wrote out something in Elvish, a language she could neither understand nor read; however, Kathryn was there to unwittingly provide translation. The cleric's expression didn't change, but there was a twinge of understanding before Victoria could provide for those not magically inclined. She remained silent for a few minutes longer before taking a tentative step away from the door.

"If the people the sheriff sent over to help weren't a bunch of idiots, they wouldn't have taken this job that has been compromised a dozen times over from before the beginning. Especially considering the scope of the threat is potentially much greater than a small handful of people could possibly handle. And this is before one capable of casting a Geas became part of the situation. No, anyone with some sense would have abandoned ship long ago. The people Gregory Arbalest sent over are a special group of idiots." Marita returned to her seat at the table and downed her glass of wine in one go.

"I'll have faith in those here, which means committing all the way, despite the numerous risks at hand. Sorry Lea and Daisy if what I'm about to say alarms you, but since we're in this deep, I'm going to lay my cards on the table." Marita cracks her back against the table and sits upright. "Robert might already know, but the reason we're here isn't to sort out the goblins, but to investigate the mysterious disappearances that have been happening as of late. We've only been here a couple of days, but I'm fairly certain about the primary threat at hand."

"Lycanthropy, the curse that enables people to shift between man and beast. I came to this conclusion from a few key pieces of evidence: first all the disappearances happened during night. Second, the boarded up silversmith and his erratic behavior. Third, not everyone who has vanished remained that way, some have returned changed. Fourth, at the location Victoria and I were investigating had beast hair and claw marks on the inside of the cupboards. However, thee behavior isn't consistent with the most famous variant of lycanthropy, werewolves. Werewolves are brutal killers, and the messy bodies left behind would not be easily covered up, even if law enforcement were in on it. However, when I saw the boy morph in my grasp that sealed it. He didn't take lupine features, but those of a rodent. I'm no expert on lycanthropy, but I'm fairly certain we're dealing with a nest of wererats. What their goals are I don't know yet, but given the reactions to the people on the street to the boy's display at least I could say that they haven't overrun the township just yet." Marita picks up the silver ring from the table and holds it aloft.

"Silver is anathema to lycanthropes. It is likely that if one pressed this ring onto their tongue that it would quickly burn them and leave some sort of mark. Robert, Lea, Daisy, I would like each of you to perform this test, or I'm afraid this is the extent to which I can trust any of you in this town"

With the mixed reactions to the writing on the table Kathryn found herself at a loss. Sure, she recognized the word, knew it was elvish. But shy of those she was totally lost. Kathryn also found her attention cut short with the smell of delicious food. She knew she should focus on the concerns that are present, but she felt like she was starving. Victoria thankfully helped bring things back on track with the explanation of Geas. A magical contract. It did sound vaguely familiar, but she couldn't pull a lot. Stories of how horrible some of the contracts got. But she had no idea how they worked, or what the consequences were of breaking them. But she knew it was bad news. From what Victoria explained, that seemed pretty accurate. So was Robert under one of these? And who held him bound to this contract? She wondered what it was but found herself struggling to ask. Since it was written in elvish maybe that meant that they were elvish? Or maybe it was written like that since whoever bound him didn't know elvish? "Can you tell us who or... not." She worried that it may be another piece tied into this rather confusing knot of a puzzle, and if it was how it related. But if Robert could tell and it was related, they would have another path to follow. If not, they would just have to see how they could offer help to the man.

On a calmer note, Kosara offered to have her grandfather help Victoria with her quest. So another excuse to visit Kosara's home and see what that was like. Granted Kathryn knew little of the desert lands. Of any kind. Her uncle told her some stories from the kingdom's last major declaration of war, but those details were older then she was. And she had no idea how accurate any of them were. But at least Kosara also seemed up for helping Blackberry. Overall it seemed the party were already here to help one another! If that wasn't good progress for them she wasn't sure what was. Kosara listed off a couple of her potential abilities that may be able to help Robert, and she wondered what kinds of tricks she had up her sleeves. Or lack there of as it seemed the only thing with sleeves the tiefling owned was her new coat she got from Victoria. She was definitely impressed with how Kosara was trying to handle the situation, offering solutions that may be flexible enough to work around Robert's situation. "If it's not something you want to chance we get, but we want to help if at all possible." He hadn't sold them out to the constable this morning, she wasn't sure if it was a more true neutral stance or if he was being helpful. But knowing what she knows now maybe it was an attempt to help. She wanted to say thanks for that, but she she also didn't want to chance giving away the location of their hideout. She wondered if the Constable was behind this too though, or if it was one of the other suspects she had in mind. She had a growing paranoia about this town, and it wasn't going to get better until she was able to get some answers that didn't just open up more questions.

Kathryn wondered if it would be rude if she went to eat some of the food now? The free food was the best news she had gotten all day with how tense things were getting. Her skills were not well suited to this, so she served as little more than a body guard for the group as they did their things. One who apparently robbed silver smiths, scared the locals, and visited places like the Honey Barn while on duty. All while pissing off the local law and drinking enough alcohol to make most people black out. But she had the ring, she discovered the constable has ill intentions towards the party. She was doing her best to carry her own weight, but she was out of her element. She'll need to work on that. She decided that since the food was already here, enjoying some of it would be just fine. Someone had to help out with the two bowls of soup and the long list of fruits and breads she ordered.

Kathryn walked back to her seat and grabbed the bowl without sitting and drank from it as if she was finishing off the little bit on the bottom too shallow to get with a spoon, downing the bowl in what felt like record time before moving onto one of the loaves of bread biting off the end before grabbing any remaining soup with the now exposed inner bread. Kathryn didn't care what Kosara said, the bread is one of the most important parts to any meals. "So, with the context we have now, I think it's fine if we take the job. Assuming it's not something that's gonna be a problem for any of the parties involved?" She asked Robert hoping that he could give an answer to that. Kathryn found herself snacking on this free meal between sentences. "Last I knew, our man was also closed for the time being. But if we can just pick up an order, then I don't see why we can't grab it."

Blackberry had declined Kathryn's offer to have the party help once things were cleared up. Maybe he would change his mind should that time come, maybe not. But as long as he knew it was there that was a start for Kathryn. As usual though, it was a lot of questions for Robert. Marita then opened up, having taken the situation she had revealed the whole truth of their mission, and definitely felt it was the case that the party was way under-qualified for and under equipped for this sort of mission. But that seemed to hold no real deterrent on any of the party, herself included. Kathryn was glad to see the cleric return once she realized how extreme things may be, and how the man who had just given them free food may be in need of their help. But... Lycanthropy? Wererats? Kathryn was totally baffled as she tried to quietly go through her food. Marita seemed to be a far greater expert on things then Kathryn was. But, if what she said was true, the situation could still be salvageable. "You said the silver hurts them, does that mean we need silvered weapons if things get into a confrontation?" Kathryn knew she was physically able to go toe to toe with most creatures her size, and especially smaller. But the heaviest hitting thing she had ever faced was an Orc in a pub. This was a whole new ballpark to her.

Weather: Thick and heavy rain dominates the atmosphere outside. The temperature is still about 50^oF (10^oC), and the damp air is noteworthy.

Time: It is still the afternoon. Not much time has passed since the last suspicious event, so here we remain. Again, looking at the levels of light (or lack thereof) is of little help in determining the time of day. Common sense still indicates the early afternoon despite this.

Ambience: The relative quiet inside of the Public House is contrasted by the low, steady roar of heavy precipitation pounding across the roof and streets outside. A bit of projection is still necessary to be heard effectively within the confines of the taproom. The fireplace and various lamps illuminate the surroundings, providing adequate light for all parties despite the closed and shuttered windows and dimness of the open world beyond. A loud, skyward rumble rolled across the clouds above; a piece of ambience fitting the ominous scene inside.



Trays were slid upon the party's table, though it was done with an overabundance of care and worried expressions as the discussion turned to the strange. And to the loud. Both Lea and Daisy forewent the more service-oriented formalities of distributing individual dishes to the people, keeping them on the trays and backing away a few steps. The Human and Halfling employees of the Public House shared a glance at one another but said nothing, waiting to see how this new, loud, and question-raising development played out.

Robert, meanwhile, looked to be judging his words with as much care as a man petitioning an infernal magistrate. Sure, he gave a quick smile of approval when Kathryn translated the word and even a quiet sigh of relief when Victoria explained it aloud (more or less), but following this he really began to verbally skip about. To begin, when Kosara implied that he might be under the effect of a Geas, the older barkeep looked straight at her and declared stonily, "I have no idea what you are talking about." To her idea concerning answering or not answering questions, he continued, "Do you read? I read. I like books. Sloppy writing bothers me, you understand? Leaving gaps in dialogue that you know tells folk the answer anyway? Just kills me sometimes. Sloppy." His words, as he picked them, were precise in a way that frustrated him. The edges of his demeanor frayed with annoyance, and something else - urgency, perhaps?

In contrast, Robert just shot an impatient look at Baronfjørd when his comment about being rude was loosed into the world.

But Marita's climb over a mountain of verbiage provoked a different reaction from the barkeep. He gave a startled look at first which faded into caution, his face locked into near total stoicism as not to react overtly. He did pull a chair from a nearby table and slide it a little nearer to the party's table, which he sprawled into like a man truly wearied. But again, dancing around the meat of the Cleric's monologue, he stated, "Now that's a silly idea - werewolves hiding out in a rural hub town. Doesn't make sense. And I'll tell you something about Jacque's werewolf test - if it's even legitimate - that sounds like a willing, physical yes or no question. Lot of folk I know aren't keen on being pigeon-holed that way. They'd have to have it forced on them, rather than submit. Just on principle. Prideful people in Avonshire." He stared at Marita as he spoke. Again, he seemed to be carefully selecting his words. "I don't speak for our Lea. Daisy, either."

The two women said nothing, but, with fear and worry, gave a nod. Lea reached out her slightly trembling hand to accept the ring as it was offered. They took turns, one after the other, pressing an edge of the ring on the tip of their tongue before offering it back. Nothing seemed to have happened. They both remained quiet, huddled against one another as if bracing for something.

Addressing Kathryn, Robert said simply, "On the subject of silver, I'd talk to a silversmith. That thing I need from Mr. Mallard - I need it before nightfall. My offer's still on the table, literally." He motioned to the stack of five gold coins, right where he left them previously. "He's easy to startle lately. And hard to talk to it you already made him nervous. Whoever wants to go, I'll write you a note."

The sight of the food up close reminded Victoria that she was actually hungry, in addition to being a bit chillier than was comfortable. The fire helped, but the roar of rain on the roof was a very unsubtle reminder that the weather was not overtly their ally that day. She did give proper attention to the party's willingness to mostly ignore Marita's imperative desire to leave immediately, apparently because food was coming; hypocritically this was also the thought process that the Bard had, herself.

When there was an actual, pressing threat, she did hope that they would all exercise more trust in the Cleric's instincts. Also a thought; why she never chose to pick up a bread-and-butter spell like Detect Magic for the same sort of discoveries was beyond her. Perhaps it was the inclination toward magics outside of the average Bard's repertoire that kept her from it. Even so, she could feel that there was a development to pursue in her studies soon. A decision would have to be made. Just not today.

No, today Victoria saw a slew of verbiage from Madame Cleric (and a few inquiries from the others) only to have it returned by a massive ball of wordy confusion from Robert. While she did admire the ballsy way he strode up to a group of armed and armored adventuring types and just sat down nearby, she could barely keep up with the utter amount of doublespeak. She knew that he meant something, and it was even starting to gel, but the best Victoria could claim was that she knew that she knew nothing. Not until the concept of wererats were mentioned, and Robert clearly avoided that word in his ramblings. Between this, and what she had witnessed so far that day, clarity came to her brain.

"Yes! Lycanthropes, but rats. Simply the worst sort of social parasites, hmm... Vulnerable only to magic or silver, though I have heard stories of some who are immune to silver and vulnerable to other things. I cannot recall much but when I was small, there were rumors of a gang of them in a city near my hometown, before they were flushed out." Victoria had magic, to be sure, but she was not confident in her ability to press a lasting attack with it. More than a couple and she would be useless.

Kathryn listened as Robert spoke in what almost seemed like riddles. To Kathryn it seemed pretty clear there were hidden messages, but she had taken way too long to figure out what they were. Once she noticed she attempted to spell out the words in her head, pick out the first letter of each, then when that failed she paused to rethink her plan. Every other word maybe? But even that didn't make sense when she plotted that in her head. He used Elvish? So maybe a double coded? Elvish and another step? But she wondered how he would tie in Elvish. She noticed the fear growing in his eyes as Kosara bombarded him with question after question, and the rest of the party joining in she realized they were only increasing his chances of something going wrong. "Let's give the man a break." Then in the middle of her 8th attempt to figure out the messages, she realized she had totally over thought it. The face of embarrassment sat on the woman for a solid moment as things slowed down. He appeared to be going for Kosara's last plan, and just not answering question that could put him at risk. But answering the ones he could. Thankfully she didn't share her many failed ideas out loud. Her question about silver had been answered though, and to her surprise, it was Robert. Would he arm them now? After how things went this morning she wasn't so sure, but they didn't have a ton of options. And before nightfall. Nightfall... She looked like she wanted to ask more, but he was already risking a lot by doing what he was doing. "We'll get this done for you. Don't worry." She figured someone other than herself or Kosara would have to take the note.

Who could be sorted out later. The problem with the test was also pointed out to Kathryn. It required willing participants to use the ring that Kathryn had accidentally stolen. The one she is realizing hadn't been cleaned by her since she accidentally stole it. It was still raining like crazy, but they had a bit of time to make it to the silver smith and back before long. She worried about something extreme happening while they waited for the weather to clear. The Constable wouldn't confront them here, at least not as likely. Granted she didn't think he would do what he has done already if asked last night. While Kathryn contemplated the next steps to take she grabbed the loaf of bred she took an end from and dipped it in her second soup and started taking bites from it. Go to silver smith, get order, maybe weapons, come back, figure out how to deal with.... were rats... A growing population of were rats... Which Robert did not deny. Though he did the werewolves, and she wasn't sure what to think on that. Sure, maybe a pack of wolves would have been worse, but rats? Then again, wolves... Wolves of any kind aren't fun. If they couldn't get the weapons what then? She figured at least she had nets, and she supposed if it came to a fight she could stomp on them? Though if they were people sized that may be harder.

The people part stuck to her head for a moment though. "Do we know if it can be cured? Can those who have gone missing still be cured or saved or... helped in any way? Do those turned still have full control or... less so..." She heard stories of werewolves, people who changed and turned into violent unreasonable monsters who could only be stopped by death on it's own. She had grown up with stories of knights fighting off beasts like these with a sword in one hand, and a torch in the other. Those tales sounded heroic then, but now that she was living a version of it, they were terrifying in a way.

Things were sort of escalating rather fast here and Kosara was barely keeping track of it and she liked it like that. It was when things were most interesting and exciting. Robert was a bit grumpy in his own way, but she couldn’t blame him, having to deal with the lot of them right now. She was hoping that he calms down soon, anger would cause health problems and they didn’t need any other Cloverfishes… Cloverdishes? Cavenfish!… no Cavendish! Yes. The dancer very much hoped that Robert calms down and brightens before he reaches the grumpy levels of the constable.

Then out of nowhere( or maybe from the precisely needed somewhere) Marita dropped the were-bomb and delivered the grand news of the problem with people disappearing. Lycanthropy and apparently wererats of all things. She had never seen wererats before, but she hadn’t seen werewolves either. Wasn’t that a curious thing, made her wonder how Wererats became a thing. Did somebody get cursed to be a rat and the curse misfired? Though unknown enemy like that, posed unknown danger and she didn’t know how Wererats worked.” Food, thank you!” She exclaimed suddenly, mind pulled away from the pesky wererats that were hindering their nice time in Avonshire to the aromatic display of foodstuffs that Lea and Daisy were putting before them on the table.

Mr. Grumpy had a reaction to the rats being mentioned and Kosara was pretty sure he knew something about it and by the sound of it the Silversmith was aware and very paranoid about it. Would explain his reaction, though didn’t explain his reaction to her inquiries on the topic and how he tossed them out like kittens in the rain. She was pretty sure that was a true saying, but anyways. Mind refocused on the topic, she looked at the coin on the table and at Robert.” Well, I’m pretty sure he won’t open the door to me… unless I raise a lot of noise and he does so out of annoyance in attempt to fight.” She quipped.” The smith was very eager to throw us out when we tried to talk to him." She ate a few quick mouthfuls of food.” Maybe you could have better luck with it as a Cleric, Marita. With the note he might just be willing to talk and listen to you.”

Kosara was just about stuffing herself with food since she had this distinct feeling that before them was a very hectic day and night, one that would probably lead to a lot of energy being used and she needed to be ready for it. She was in the middle of chewing that very tasty food when Kathryn raised the question about healing the missing victims. Now wasn’t that a very important thing to figure out.” What if they don’t want to be healed if at all possible? We still don’t know why some returned while others didn’t… We should be very careful.” She mentioned after a bit of thinking.

Thoughtful quiet took over Victoria as she pored over the rush of recollection on the subject discussed. A brief spurt of knowledge was enough to get the ball rolling, such as it was, without having to regurgitate all of the information available to her in one large portion. Then, the allure of butternut soup and fresh bread called to her, and the scent of fresh apples. In an attempt to smooth things over with the thoroughly confused staff, Victoria gave a warming smile in their direction and said, "Everything looks wonderful. Really." She acquired a bowl of soup for herself and inhaled its starchy, savory aroma for a moment, showing an expression of contentment. A polite request followed, "If I may? I would be grateful for a pot of good tea."

The request didn't stop her from locating a spoon and sampling a bit of the soup. She was another two spoonfuls in before she remembered her manners, covered her mouth with a hint of embarrassment showing, and resumed at a much more reserved pace. She did take the initiative to grab one of the small loaves for herself. And a napkin. Manners were important, sometimes. It was good to keep in practice.

"I've read a little about them, too. Wererats, I mean to say." If this was the topic at hand, she might as well share a little more. "If it is truly a Wererat infestation, it's unusual. Stories I perused have these creatures keeping their numbers low, and recruiting moreso than just kidnapping and infecting others. This situation feels different. Or the authors missed something; I couldn't say." Slight bewilderment crossed Victoria's features. It was quickly smoothed over by a shrug as she tore off a piece of bread for herself. "This is truly good."

A final point to bring up amid the speculation and brainstorming section of whatever their eventual plan might be, Victoria flatly suggested, "Whichever of us are running that errand with the silversmith, I'm going with them. To hear it, you need someone who can speak to people." She even had a shiny zombie pig as a conversation opener. It could work.

Morty, not having received a mental command nor being in a situation to adhere to standing orders, hadn't moved since he arrived. He remained a meaty monolith with his wrappings slowly drying near the fire.

Were-Rats.

The ridges of BlackBerrys eyebrows rose to impressive heights.

Giant Rats, he had dealt with. Average sized bandits, he had dealt with. Supposedly, it had just been a matter of time before the Gods decided to slam the two together and throw the results at him. Thinking back on the scene from the market earlier the child did take on a more…ratty appearance, even the noises the child had made had sounded fairly rodent-like.

And Sheriff Alberlast had tasked these people to deal with them? Truly, it seemed the group had one hell of a task ahead of them.

After watching the others start their meals, (Lady Katheryn inhaling hers with a worrying speed) he finally faced the inevitable and looked to start digging into his own bowl of soup.

Tendrils of steam from the warm soup seductively wrapping around his nose with the smell of roasted butternut squash, with hints of the sharp smell of something having been slightly burnt, and something else that he couldn't place. It was a thick soup coloured to a cozy yellow-orange bespeckled by dots of brown pepper and small tufts of something green sitting below the surface. It looked wonderfully smooth and inviting.

Blackberry picked up the small bread roll he had been given and broke it into large chunks by digging his thumb in and prising it apart. To his delight the bread was soft and fresh with large, even holes throughout. He dunked a piece into the soup and idly stirred with it.

The action was something to focus on as he was lost within Robert's double speak, leading in several different directions only to end up almost exactly where he had started, and BlackBerrys eyes flicked in just as many directions as he thought it all through.

Marita mentioned Were-rats. Not were-wolves." BlackBerry corrected Robert, as politely as he could. "I suppose that would make them…Rodent-thropes?"

His eyes shot upwards as he hunted through his mind for anything he had heard about them; werewolves were common enough in stories and cautionary tales, but were-rats not so much for one reason or another.

"Thankfully I have not had any run-ins with the beasts myself." BlackBerry perked up as the memory came back to him, one from another evening spent in an open house chatting with the locals elsewhere. "However, I have heard that a city far north of here; Argentum, had the same issue, repeatedly, even."

He pulled the chunk of bread out of the soup to let the excess drain off and drip, drip, drip back into the bowl. He took the moment to shoot a glance over to Robert, then Daisy and Lea. On the one hand, he didn't want to make them worry, this was their home after all and wouldn't do any good repeating old rumours that may do nothing more than make them worry. But on the other hand, if he had any information that might help then he must have the obligation to share it, just as Victoria had done.

He continued."They were surprisingly well organised then; keeping their numbers managed, targeting the less fortunate as their victims, all so that they can stay unnoticed as long as they can, as sad as that is to say. Luckily, however, they mostly keep to larger towns, cities, and the like." Giving the locals around him an apologetic grimace, he tried to use a more upbeat tone, adding. "But, if they are organised then that also means that could be talked to, or even reasoned with. If this is the case then there might be a way to solve this problem without any bloodshed." The last bit directed at the group of adventures.

He liked Lady Kathryn's idea to try and cure the Were-Rats rather than...exterminate them.

BlackBerry plopped the now soup-soaked chunk of bread into his mouth and was wonderfully rewarded with the warm and comforting flavour of roasted butternut with sharp undertones of pepper, and no doubt several other vegetables to bulk it out. A minty taste was also in the mix, almost sour, which he figured must be from that green herb he spotted tufts of in the mix.

Victoria volunteered to go see Mr Mallard after sharing a bit more information on their current, supposed foe. Following her lead, and nodding vigorously with her compliments to the chef as he had his mouth full at that moment, BlackBerry decided on his next task.

"Well, if that's the case I would like to volunteer to try and find the Were-Rats. I imagine word has spread of Maritia and yourself regarding your employer after this morning, and any investigations you may have been doing. Other than asking around I have no affiliation with him. Although…" With second thoughts appearing, he had a spoonful of soup before continuing and deciding he may as well ask for some details at this point. "You've been doing some investigation, have you not? With the missing who have returned, how have they been changed?"

He dreaded to think of the answer, and wondered just what befell those who didn't return.

Robert's doublespeak was bothersome, but Marita could tell that he was trying to be as straightforward as he could be without coming into conflict with the Geas. As far as she could tell, what he was trying to say was:

I can't speak in such a way that obviously tells you the answer even by omission or the geas will probably kill me.

I cannot do the ring test unless you forced me to because it would set off the Geas.

You should really go to the silversmith for weapons/someone you can talk to.

Although she did say that she wouldn't be able to trust him if he didn't take the test, she also said that she was going to have faith in them and he's under magical duress not to so she decided to give him the pass there. She did have the tools to force him to do it, but it would both be a waste of time and resources that would be better utilized elsewhere.

"If we're insisting on splitting off into separate groups, I would strongly suggest not traveling alone. People by their lonesome are the ones who seem to be targeted for abduction, not to mention that with all these people in town for the festival you don't know who you might run into. Regardless, I will be going to the Silversmith, but I'm not taking Robert's money. I'm not desperate enough for coin to take from others who need it more than me. That note would be very helpful to get us into the door though." Of course, the pay for the job would likely be snatched up by Victoria or one of the others, and she wouldn't stop them, but it went against her principles to directly profit in a situation like this. That said, she was really bothered by how much she didn't know about many things still going on in this township and the promise of finally getting some answers was quite appealing. As for Blueberry's questions she'd provide answers there. At least what she could.

"We don't know who has returned or how they've changed unless Lea or Daisy know something. I have a list of people who have disappeared and not returned, but people coming back is hearsay told to us by our employer. Apparently anybody who has returned had some answer as to where they were so it's hard to pin them down on top of the apparent cover-up going on. We have been investigating, but realistically speaking we've only been able to actively investigate for less than a day so far so there's only so much we've been able to do." Perhaps an unsatisfactory answer, but that's what she got, and that's all she could give.

With most of the pressing points addressed, Marita finally felt comfortable enough to eat and she was starving. When she thought about it, she really had barely eaten anything at all in many days. The biggest meal she'd had in weeks was that breakfast in Darenby before leaving. It was all she could do to retain her manners and not resort to shoveling food into her gullet.

However, there was one major thing that was bothering her that nobody else seems to have addressed. Who could possibly have been able to cast the Geas on Robert in the first place. Maybe everyone else didn't know but a Geas was quite a high level spell that only a select few could cast. Even she only knew of one person in her church who had the capability of using it, where and how was such a powerful mage hiding in a place like this? Judging by the conversation she had overheard that morning, the Constable likely didn't know about the geas and that probably extended to the rest of the law enforcement. Something tipped off in her head and she set down her spoonful of soup.

"Say Robert, when I was chatting with Lea and Daisy last night they brought up Samthe and Carl. Apparently it's been a long time since they've come back. Did they ever mention where they were going before they left?" Samthe was the only one she heard about possessing any magical talents in this town, although Carl potentially could have some as well. She wanted to see if the geas prevented him from talking about them as well. Although Samthe's sudden blossoming of magic pointed towards him being either a sorceror or Pholtus forbid, a warlock and she was fairly certain a geas would be beyond the capabilities of those with unearned power.

Weather: The air is damp and the rain is heavy. The temperature hovers aruond 50^oF (10^oC), and every so often a rumble of thunder is heard. No bright issuance of lightning saw its way around the seams of the door, nor the shutters. The intensity of the downpour seemed to have hit its zenith; it has not gotten any lighter, nor any heavier, since last checked upon.

Time: It is still the afternoon. Time stretched out through the din of rain and the puzzling out of strange circumstances; likewise dealing with translating double-speak consumes its own tiny bits of time, which adds up.

Ambience: Food is on the table, dominating the center of the simple piece of furniture. Yummy smells and dwindling wisps of steam note its presence even as it is being devoured mercilessly by the party. The rain continues its everpresent white noise upon the roof. Maybe it's this rain that has prevented anyone else from entering the Public House. It would certainly make sense. The fire continues its steady burn as do the lamps, providing ample (if flickering) illumination across the taproom.



Lea and Daisy did their best to distance themselves from the conversation unfolding, only going to far as to grab things from the table or fetch things upon request. They did so quickly and with care, seemingly intent on listening to as much as they could without actual involvement. Observation without participation, as it were.

Robert, meanwhile, had plenty of reactions, even if they weren't amazingly helpful. The spell-caught man had nothing to say to any of Victoria's observations or memories (though he did stifle a facial expression or two, lest he give anything away) and outright had a blank stare for Baronfjørd as his choice of words was corrected. This faded as he continued speaking - the conversation went directly back to the returned missing people and thusly the older barkeep went quiet.

Likewise, Robert remained stoic as Kathryn's conversational points went toward curing anyone who might be afflicted with (alleged) lycanthropy, though a tinge of red flushed his face. Anger? Embarrassment? Sorrow? It was hard to say when the man was trying to keep himself from revealing anything directly. Though he did give the most discreet of nods when the very tall woman assured him that they would get his task done.

An honestly shocked expression crossed the man's face when Kosara brought up the plan of making a lot of noise in front of the silversmith's shop and possibly provoking a fight with the man. His stare, a combination of disbelief and growing anxiety, was not one he could hide as easily. Robert's eyes quickly shifted to the other members of the party to gauge what their reaction to this idea might be.

It was at this point in time that Robert stood from his chair and walked steadily back to the bar. A shake of his head later and the older man refilled his mug of ale. Half of it was downed in a practiced motion, after which he topped it back off and retook his seat near to the party's table. Half was consumed yet again in fast order. Robert then took to sipping. He remained like this until Marita asked him about the Halfling and the Gnome that featured in an earlier conversation under his roof.

Seemingly pleased to be discussing something else, he began to look more relaxed as he spoke. "Samthe Rentman and Carl ...I don't think I ever got his real last name. Samthe: more or less good kid from a prominent local Halfling family. Farmers, own their own land just outside of town a piece. They grow some amazing spicy peppers. I think I still have a pot of their jam... Anyhow, Carl is an outsider that got in good with Samthe. Um, one of those grey-skinned Gnomes that come from deep underground. Put the idea of running off and finding adventure in his head." He gave a small chuckle and continued, "O'course, Samthe was smart enough to figure out a little magic, so, it's not likely he might've cultivated it into something great keeping to these parts. I helped them some. Let them use this place as a base of operations. Even still have some of their gear from when they had to leave. The two of them infiltrated and took down a Thieves' Guild over on the coast. Then Samthe got afflicted with something or another, so they had to travel north of here to find someone capable of fixing it. Last time they came back, they were with a really big fellow who didn't look all Human. Said they were going to help a friend of a friend in a place called Waterside. Not seen 'em since."

"Samthe and Carl did some good in the world, far as I know. One thing about that Gnome, though - I overheard him bein' asked once what he did back home. He said something in 'Undergnome' I don't remember, then said nearest translation was Assassin. He was loyal to his friend, for what that's worth." Robert took another pull from his mug and smiled. "Thanks for asking me something I can answer. I appreciate that."

Outside, the pounding, constant noise of rain hitting roofs and paving stones got just a little quieter, with a smallish rumble of thunder punctuating the precipitating water. It might just be the beginning of the end of this storm. Only the dice can tell.

As the party began sorting what details they had, and consumed the food on the table like it was their first meal in days, Kathryn contemplated the issue of those turned. Kosara brought up a good point as well, what if they don't want to be cured? The mixed ideas were decent, though they were missing so much key information still. "I think finding them without a way to deal with them if things turn into conflict isn't idea. Though we should look into where they are housed or operating from, we're not equipped in either supply, or in knowledge to take them on." As Ser Lucas told her, knowing is half the battle. The other half is having the ability to beat the head of the other bastard in before they could beat your head in. She chalked that line up to Ser Lucas being drunk for most of their first few years of travel together, but maybe he had a point on that first half. Robert had some sort of reactiong to Kathryn's idea of curing those effected. Though she couldn't get a read. Did he know some of those effected? Or maybe he didn't want that idea to go forward? Kathryn wished she could ask him, but he was risking a ton already doing what he was doing. Kathryn didn't want to put him in any more danger. Ironic, as soon as they find someone who can give them answers, the most he can do is not respond. No, not the most. The most, is sending them to another who may have answers. Kathryn took note of Marita's refusal of payment, and how much things have changed since they were first offered the job. "I'm perfectly happy with the meal, we'll get this job done and get back to you with it asap." The note may also help. The man was on edge, and that was partially involved with Kathryn and Kosara's intervention with the man.

Robert seemed to relax a bit when asked a question that seemed unrelated to their mission. She listened closely as the tale of adventurer's past was told to them. It was a neat story, though it mostly just helped to pass the time in a non stressful way as the rain continued, slowing down as the conversation went on. Still not stopping yet. It may be worth going out now though to avoid anyone following them? But if they were ambushed they wouldn't be able to see it coming until it was too late. Kathryn then looked back at Robert, she wanted to know if Constable Cavendish was involved, and a lack of an answer would give that enough to her. Or maybe he was told he had to lie about it if asked, but maybe not. But Robert had risked a lot to answer what he could, and have given them another lead to follow. They had another potential lead, and as things ramped up she wasn't so sure they'd get any more chances to follow along with it. "I think we need to get going. We're under equipped, so let's get any of our gear we may need while we still have some coverage with the weather. Then let's get this job done and follow up on any leads we can." That note specifically. The more Kathryn thought about it, the more she wanted to know what it said. She had concerns about its origin and until that was dealt with it would be a distraction. Plus, the party was in no shape to face a proper confrontation at the moment. Marita didn't have much of her combat able gear should things kick off, and without someone to help fill out the heavy martial role they were susceptible to an ambush. Either from the potential wererats who were for sure onto them, or from Constable Cavendish and his guards. Or any other third party with their hands in the pot.

Kathryn also wanted an excuse to look outside to see if they were being watched or followed. A chance to grab their supplies was a nice bonus. "Robert, Lea or Daisy, any chance any of you can read goblin tongue? Or someone that does?" "That can be trusted." She wanted to add. Another concern did cross Kathryn's mind, with Robert under the influence of the Geas, did that mean whoever put him under that spell, curse, or whatever it was, would they now know that the party for sure was not only on the trail, but still didn't know where the trail was going. But there was no going back now. She looked at Robert, and though she hated to ask more of him, she had to know one last thing. "Are you going to have to share any of this conversation with anyone later?" She asked, not in an accusatory tone, but one that also asked if they should hurry before that point came.

Victoria set her spoon down and dabbed her mouth carefully with a napkin. She looked to Baronfjord, who posed a fair enough question about word of their investigation getting around. The meat of the inquiry was left unanswered, but she did address the issue of their employer and questions which may arise. "Oh, we made no secret that Sheriff Arbalest sent us to this place. It was part of our cover; outsiders using this town as a base of operations while addressing a possible Goblin issue near the border." She gave a coy smile, despite herself and suppressed a giggle, continuing, "Imagine my surprise when there actually was a Goblin incident! It cemented our story ever so nicely."

She gave the occasional look in Robert's direction as he spoke. Though she was the experienced socialite, figuring out the motivations of others was not her forte. No, hers was more about moving in certain circles like she belonged there and making liberal use of a silver tongue. So to the puzzle of the proprietor, Victoria was without answer.

Then Marita said something about going to the silversmith's. More than this, refusing the offered gold. Perhaps the Order Cleric was adept at reading minds or maybe she just observed the Bard's eyes darting subtly toward the neat stack of five gold coins just sitting there. If the lady didn't want them, Victoria would have no difficulty pocketing the shiny lucre. A girl had expenses, after all. In an attempt to be more surreptitious than necessary, Victoria reached a hand out and snagged another small loaf of amazing local bread with her thumb and forefinger, passing close to the gold coins. Her remaining three fingers flourished out deftly, in practiced motions, and wrapped around the stack of precious metal. Unfortunately, Victoria's elbow tapped on the platter next to her, giving just enough of a tap to ruin her already precarious grasp. Not on the bread - this she retained - but it looked a lot like she just knocked the stack of coins over. "Oops!" she intoned innocently. The bread made it back to her bowl and she reached her other hand out to gather the gold more openly. "Seeing as we are going, I'll hang onto these for us just now." A smile and a return to her food followed after, with just a hint of embarrassment at a poorly executed and ultimately unnecessary act of subterfuge.

Hoping for just a little bit of a subject change, Victoria listened intently to the summary of the exploits of Robert's adventurer friends, if friends was the right word for it, and added to the man's final phrasing, "Assassin? Really? How curious that a person such as that would involve themselves in the adventuring profession. Or does that translate differently in Gnomish? I am afraid that I haven't teaching in that language."

BlackBerry continued his own meal as Marita explained what the group knew and what investigation they had had the chance to do. It was a shame it wasn't much they knew, or that she decided to share with him, but it couldn't be helped.

He couldn't hide his concern for Robert when the man thanked the group for moving onto another topic. Clearly he should've had more faith in Kosara as her intuition about Robert being enchanted had been right on the money.

But then again her plan to cause as much ruckus as possible for the silversmith didn't fill BlackBerry with much confidence. He hoped the others left that idea as plan B.

"Maybe so, but it would still be useful to find out the general area where the horde is hiding, if not their actual hiding spot." He nodded in agreement with Lady Kathryn's suggestion that they should make a few preparations before tackling the were rats.

"You needn't worry, it wasn't a suggestion to tackle the horde just yet, were-rats or otherwise." Blackberry waved away the idea like a bad smell. "Simply another bit of information to gather before tackling them. If we know where they're based we can account for any obstacles, and defenses, and the like."

It certainly wouldn't do to go wandering around without any idea of what may be lurking around the corner, afterall!

He nodded as Victoria gave some clarification to the group's cover story, and the tale of Samthe and Carl was an interesting one and was a nice change of pace from the previous topic.

"Oh dear. Well I do hope the poor fellow was able to sort out his affliction." He watched Victoria tidy away the coins. Admittedly, now that he had volunteered to look for the Were-Rats he had no right to argue. "I don't know. If you're an assassin I could see that your victim might try to escape, so you may be unwilling to be pulled into a life of adventure in pursuit. A rather unsavoury reason for an adventure though." He grimaced at the thought.

Having now finished his own meal (the bowl damn near scraped clean) BlackBerry turned his focus to the window, a little signal that he was happy to head off whenever the oothers were ready. The warn food and his clothes being now almost dry, had done wonders to his overall mood; he was still less than inclined to go traipsing out into the storm but the odd grumbles from heavens didn't have quite the same effect on him anymore, now that the storm had been robbed of its lightning.

“Maybe this is some kind of secret evil clan of em that wants to do something big and evil...” Kosara quipped to V’s statement before demolishing a few more mouthfuls of the tasty food.” Hey, I know it probably isn’t that, but I can make wild theories and hope one day it is right!” She added, returning to her food and looking at V again.” I am in agreement with V. She’s way better at talking with people. Apparently most people like me and how I talk more only when I’m dressed in my usual set of clothing.” She stated. Though it made her wonder if she and V could literally run verbal circles around people of they paired up their strong sides on the topic of talks and distraction in talks.

Dragon-man, or Blackberry as his name apparently is or at least as he likes to be called in company, made some curious statements about their wererat problems and said a word that she really wondered if it was real and planned to scribble down later when she had the chance to write in her journal. Her grandpa would know if Rodent-tropes is a real term. He also suggested that it’s possible to talk with them, which was… partly true, but also made her wonder if it’s possible in this case. If they had anything to do with the mass disappearances and were plotting evil schemes, they wouldn’t just talk. Though if the dancer was to be fair, they hadn’t actually gotten confirmation of the evil ploy in itself quite yet. Lots of evidence suggesting to it, but no confirmation aside a returned person who turned into one and a paranoid silversmith that might be stockpiling silvered weapons. That and Robert who also had dealings with the silversmith.

Martia continued to talk and brought Robert back into it which went to two of the missing folk that revealed even more potential clues that were at play, but she wasn’t able to figure them out quite yet. There seemed to be something just underneath it all, so close yet so far for the time being. Maybe they just needed one solid veil lifting clue to piece it all together and crack the entire thing wide open, but Kosara herself didn’t have it yet.

While Kathryn spoke, Kosara hurried to get the final bits of food she could over with and smiled contently. There wasn’t much more to be done here in the tavern and they really should be going before long.” Alright, so V and Marita are going to meet Mr silversmith, what would the rest of us be doing then? I mean as much as I like the idea of running around and looking for clues, I don’t like the idea of anyone finding themselves face to face with the constable without our full group or in any other sort of troubles without the full group to have their backs. I’ve heard horror stories about adventuring groups splitting and the possible terrible situations they found themselves in. Is there anything the rest of us that we can do while near the silversmith location? That way we aren’t splitting the party too far and should something happen, we can easily regroup to deal with any complications. In any case we should be at least somewhere nearby.” She asked, readying herself for going out again. The rain was still going rather strong and it was concerning, but what could one do? She also eyed curiously the way V pocketed the gold.

While it was somewhat vexing that her question didn't exactly lead anywhere of tangible benefit based on the fact Robert could answer, she didn't particularly expect it to. If there were such a situation where a whelp who had barely started learning magic somehow became the mastermind behind this entire situation, things were likely fucked up beyond all repair. At least what could be accomplished by a ragtag group of outcasts with little pull on the greater world around them.

However, Marita's expression changed when Robert brought up Waterside. At first a flicker or recognition, but then it became a fair deal more troubled. She recalled a story she heard a year or so ago, apparently something had been living there amongst the populace undetected, killing the townsfolk until it was located and killed by adventuring types at great loss. She didn't know the exact details of the situation, but the structure of that event was eerily similar to the one they were in now. Despite this, Marita composed herself and elected to not bring it up. Right now, as far as she was aware the two situations weren't connected and at worst it would be a red herring that directed them away from what needed to be done and further alarm the others for no substantial gain. For now, she would simply keep this tidbit of knowledge tucked away in her back pocket until it became clear that it was an actual lead to follow.

The cleric remained silent and simply ate her food while the others spoke. When Victoria knocked over the coins, her eyes flicked over to that direction, but she otherwise did not react or comment. Marita could also think of a variety of reasons that a (former) assassin could take to adventuring, but the topic was a triviality at best. As far as the business-related discussion went, it seemed that the others weren't entirely sure about the direction to take and her food was mostly finished at this point, so she might as well speak up once again.

"In our current situation, it would be best if we stuck together." Marita turned to the Dragonborn, "Blueberry was it? You weren't hired for the job, so you don't have the obligation to follow if you don't want. If you'd like, we could try to help escort you out of the township if you'd prefer to remove yourself from the situation entirely. Otherwise you should either stay put in the pub or come with us to the silversmith. When we get there, unless things go better than expected, only Victoria and I should go in, everyone else keep watch outside in case we have any spies or surprise unwelcome guests."

"As for where the nest is located... unlike any of my prior conclusions, this has absolutely no proof behind it. It's merely a gut feeling, but it might be the Municipal Building. Make of that what you will." Marita went back to her soup.

Weather: Not magic and probably not the act of a deity, but the rain seems to finally be lessening. The thunder, already sparse and irregular, has not sounded for some time. The temperature remained roughly the same as ever, cool but damp, promising an evening that could possibly drop to freezing. Rain still falls, just not at the level of a downpour.

Time: It is still the afternoon. Who's to say at this point whether it's early afternoon or late; time has a way of obscuring its passage in certain circumstances.

Ambience: The meal nears and/or finds its way to completion as meals are wont to do, giving Lea an excuse to keep herself busy removing unwanted bits of flatware and dishes. The firelight maintains its flickering vigil over the interior of Neil & Bob's Public House, providing adequate range of vision and creating a very homey atmosphere. The noise of the rain suddenly lessened as if a switch was turned to a lower setting. Conversation suddenly became easier, if nothing else.




The abrupt decline in the noise pounding on the roof prompted Daisy, the resident Halfling cook, to scuttle over to the nearest window and peer through the crack between the shutters. "Hmm," was all she saw fit to comment, wiping her hands on her apron. Seemingly satisfied, she made her way back into the kitchen. This was not done in a dismissive manner; rather she seemed just fine with not being party to the conversation at hand. Lea's efforts at keeping a tidy taproom also bore fruit, the irony being that she left the actual bowl of fruit on the table as she was only going for the empty dishes.

It should be noted that both Lea and Daisy indicated nonverbally that they did not speak language of Goblins, and when Kathryn further inquired if they knew anyone who did it was met by a head shake and shrug, respectively. Robert was more vocal, his words flowing a little easier now that the topic was off of certain matters. "It's a general rule, what goes on inside these walls stays here," He continued, speaking now primarily to Kathryn and Victoria, "Now about Goblin-talk, I got no idea. Nobody I know speaks it either. Same about Gnomish, but it wouldn't be outside of possible that a few of the elder Halflings might know a thing or two on that." As the rest of the conversation seemed to turn away from asking him direct questions, a thing for which he was thankful, Robert moved himself to his usual spot on the other side of the bar. The sound of paper fluttering and a pen scratching upon it could be heard now that the rain wasn't roaring.

Around the same time that the present discussion around the table took to a pause, Robert returned with the paper. He lay it upon the table and began to speak, again choosing his words with care. "Mr. Mallard has become jumpy lately. Paranoid, might say. If he figures you for fast talk, he won't want to do business. Just how he is lately."

The note itself was written with a bold hand, in flowing script. It read:

Robert sighed and nodded his head. "Best I don't know where you're staying in town. You all want to come here for a meal or a few drinks, fine. Ask for a bed, I'll turn you all down and put out you as trouble, full public. Understand?"

As the meal wrapped up, the party gathered information, and the basic structure of a plan. The party as a whole was still a little disorganize, but were rapidly making progress. Victoria's comment on the "goblin Incident" drew up Kathryn's concern with the coincidence. She needed to know what was on that note, she needed to put her thoughts and concerns at ease before she jumped to conclusions. But it was still too perfect, set up almost perfectly. Kathryn was pulled from this train of thought by Victoria's motion of... Wait was she taking the coins? Kathryn gave a confused, almost but not quite disappointed face to Victoria. Yes, getting paid was nice and all. But these were desperate people, and desperate times. Kathryn held her tongue despite her face, maybe Victoria really needed the money? She reserved judgement deciding she herself was far from perfect, and she had nowhere near enough context to Victoria's life to judge her.

Returning from the Distraction Victoria made with her attempt to take the coinage, Kathryn's gaze returned to Blackberry. "With how quickly things are escalating, we should figure out where their hideout is. But splitting up again is too risky. There are too many factors at play here, and many that we know of are against us." And many they still just didn't know. With the reassurance that Robert had as little intention as possible to share the conversations they were having as he could, Kathryn felt a little more comfortable talking their game plans. At least to a vague degree. "Let's get this business with Mr. Mallard done and out of the way, and with any information we get from that we'll figure things out as best as we can. But knowing where to go ahead of time will be a huge help. I just don't want to risk accidentally jumping the balista and it going off on us." With the note on the table, Kathryn figured she'd let either Victoria or Marita grab it. She figured herself and Kosara were off the table in that regard since they already spooked the man. Kathryn took heed of Robert's warning though. Though he would do his best to keep their information safe, the less he knew the better. Including their home. She had people she wanted to ask about still. Those who may have cursed him, those who may be behind this. She had a couple suspects mentally. But she didn't want to push Robert so much. She had no idea the degree of the Geas.

Marita's comment on the Municipal building got Kathryn's attention. She remembered Kosara commenting how tight security seemed to be there, and the Constable was also up to something less then pretty himself. If this whole mess was somehow tied together, things were indeed worse then she had hoped. "I'd like to get moving then. While we still have some cover from the rain, and it's calm enough to still see about. I'll stop by the..." She paused, reminding herself to not speak the place aloud. At least not in a way it could be identified. "...Camp. Grab some gear, and other supplies we may need. If anyone else needs something, they should come with me now so we can get sorted out fast. If anyone wants to wait out here, we'll be back before we leave. And we can make our way out." Kathryn grabbed the silver ring off the table and prepared to put it back on her finger, stopping a moment to realize she hadn't done the test yet for the others like she said she would. So she held up the ring for all to see, opened her mouth, plopped it on her tongue, and held it there for a couple seconds before sliding it back on and putting her gauntlet back on that totally had never once belonged to a corpse.

Kathryn hoped she wasn't the only one planning on getting supplies from the barn. But she needed that note, she needed to find someone who could read it and answer those questions. Robert helped a bit, letting her know to ask around some of the older halfings who may have experience with it. But she still needed the note incase she found someone who could read it. She placed two silvers on the table as a tip for Daisy and Lea for their hard work and for the amazing food. On the way to the door she grabbed a couple fruits and another loaf of bread to snack on while she grabbed the supplies. She would then wait by the door for anyone else who wanted to join her on this short trip.