Aaliyah gives a quick "Thank you!!!" to Lissandra after she called out to them, and before jumping through the portal. Stepping through, Aaliyah certainly hadn't expected to land in a cartographer's shop. Was there some sort of mistake? She looks to her compatriots, Beigeiros and Mariel as they enter through...with the goblin following them as well.

Before she could say anything else, the cartographer addresses them and shows them the map, asking for their opinion. She looks at the map curiously, and she recognizes some of the landmarks from the Plane of Air. Beigeiros spoke up first and recognized the map as the Elemental Chaos.

That certainly explained a large majority of the map she couldn't recognize! She answers in agreement, "Oh yes! I recognize some of the landmarks from the Elemental Plane of Air. This is impressive!"

She then realizes something and she asks the Cartographer, "Oh right! I apologize for our rude intrusion, but...is this shop in Tir Na Og?"

Manyroads' Maps, Tradegate, the Outlands

@Lurking Krog @Abstract Proxy @Guardian Angel Haruki @Vertigo

The gnome seemed to sense Garnet's movement in the corner of his vision, but just as he was about to turn his head, Beigeiros correctly identified the subject of the map and the gnome's attention returned to those directly in front him. His face lit up. "Very good, my boy! Very good indeed!" the gnome says. "So you've been to the Elemental Chaos then? Fascinating. Haven't been there too often myself, work usually prevents me from doing so, but the stories I've heard! Difficult place to map out though, considering it's ever-changing nature. Could give Limbo a run for its money." Before he can start what is likely a length ramble, Aaliyah cuts in. He doesn't seem to mind though as he gives a warm chuckle to her question. "Tir na Og? No, miss, you are currently in Tradegate, the gate-town leading from the Outlands to Bytopia." He points in some direction. "But we are the closest gate-town to Tir na Og. It's about some miles that way..." He pauses before correcting himself. "Well, it was. From what I've been told, there's just some open fields there now, though I haven't had a chance to really look myself." He turns back to the group. "I guess your lot is heading that way? Well, you're definitely not the first travelers to show up here with that goal. Place has been swarming with them. Not too long ago we had a whole party of Ciphers come in here. Antsy lot, not much for conversation." He shakes his head before opening his arms, gesturing to the shop around him. "You are currently in Manyroads' Maps. I'm Melvin Manyroads, proprietor, cartographer, part-time adventurer. While I wouldn't say I'm the best cartographer in the multiverse, I probably have the most diverse selection of maps you'll find." He goes to shake Beigeiros' hand, then Aaliyah's, then Mariel's. It's unclear if he realizes Garnet is there.

Speaking of, the compass Garnet picks up is large and feels very cold as she picks it up. The symbol of Vegvisir - a viking compass - is on the lid. Should Garnet open it, she will find the compass marked not with the cardinal symbols for each direction but runes of a much older version of Dwarvish. No matter how much she turns it in her hands, the dial doesn't seem to point anywhere in particular. Garnet will get the sense that the compass is, for some reason, not working as intended. Maybe broken? Unfinished?

---

Ubiquitous Wayfarer, Lower Ward, Sigil > Revelhome, Ecstasy, the Outlands

@Fading Memory

"Well, I do try," Tabiah says, the slightest hint of dryness is her tone. "I'll go first, make sure we don't end up somewhere... less than desirable. I'll tell you if the coast is clear." She then hitches up her skirt before climbing less-than-gracefully into the portal. She disappears, the portal rippling almost like water behind her. There is a long pause before her head re-emerges from the light. "Seems all clear," she says before ducking back into the portal

Should Zaraknyvr follow after her, he will find himself... in yet another wine cellar, though this one is far brighter thanks to the large window to side. It's also much tidier, with few barrels lined against the wall and the floorboards much stronger and sturdier beneath one's feet. Overhead, Zaraknyvr can hear the sounds of cheerful banter and the occasional clash of glasses, though it doesn't sound nearly as rowdier as the Wayfarer.

As the pair are catching their bearings, they hear someone humming as a large, hulking shadow is cast on the wall near the staircase, two horns protruding from where the head is. Its footsteps are very heavy.

What will Zaraknyvr do?

---

Ubiquitous Wayfarer, Lower Ward, Sigil

@rush99999

Ulgad nods in response to Fyodor, a smile starting to form on his face before he downs the rest of his drink. "But enough of that!" he says once he places his glass down again. "We should get going." He glances towards the door to the wine cellar. "Hopefully those two have passed on..." He pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful about something. "You know..." he speaks again, his voice quiet so as not to attract the attention of either Jarret or Wynvere. "The woman the Mercykiller was with. The one with the cat? Think I've seen her about before, though I can't exactly place where." He pauses for a moment longer before shrugging. "It'll come back to me. Or not. Doesn't really matter much either way." He gives a chuckle. "Hope she knows what she's doing hanging around with a guy like that. They didn't exactly seem to be friends." He then gives Fyodor another hardy pat on the back. "Alright!" he raises his voice a little to get the attention of the other Bleakers. "Let's head out."

He starts heading towards the door to the cellar. Wynvere quickly starts going after him, but Jarret hesitates, staring down into his now empty glass. "We could have had one more drink," he mumbles to himself.

---

Former site of Tir na Og, the Outlands

@Digizel @Rune_Alchemist

Azorigal blinks in surprise as Tanrith started practically fanboying over him, and looks over at Faelee questioningly while pointing a claw towards the excited kobold.

Faelee chuckles. While it doesn't seem like she knows Draconic, she seems able to read his excitement. "Azorigal, this is Tanrith," she says. "Like us, he seems to be inquiring about the whereabouts of Tir na Og... and he seems quite impressed by dragons."

This explanation seems to satisfy Azorigal because the dragon stands up to his full height. "Well, we are impressive, us gem dragons most of all," he says in Draconic.

It's at this point Raella wanders over to the group, also seeming interested in the presence of a dragon. The other members of the Doomguard look at her curiously, while the cheer that Sarceron has slowly started to gain over this conversation seems to falter.

Azorigal, on the other hand, doesn't seem bothered at all. In fact, the attention seems to be stoking his confidence. "Well, seems I'm drawing a bit of a crowd," he says, reverting back to Common. While Tanrith is introducing himself to Raella, Azorigal takes a moment to clear this throat, coughing out small puffs of some sort of black-and-yellow energy. He then draws himself to his full height. "I am Azorigal. I am a topaz dragon, the greatest of all Sardior's children. Like all gem dragons, I possess incredible psionic power..."

There is a pause, and then both Raella and Tanrith will hear a voice in their minds, "As you can plainly see... or well, hear, I suppose."

Azorigal speaks aloud once more, continuing to do his best to remember the questions Tanrith had excitedly asked of him and answer. "I am male, at least for now, and I am indeed amphibious, though the sensation of water upon my scales is, well, less than pleasant. As for my breath weapon, no, you are correct, it is not fire, nor acid or poison." He pauses, considering something. "You know, perhaps it is better if I show you."

He turns his back to the group, glancing around before focusing in on a nearby tree. He points to with a claw. "See that tree over there?" he says. "Well, watch and be amazed!" He then crouches down to the ground, opens his jaws and releases more that weird energy he had coughed out before, now in a large cone. It reaches out towards the tree, engulfing it for a moment and filling the air with the strong smell of decay. When Azorigal stops, the energy slowly disappeating, revealing the tree in a very different state: most of its leaves have been blown off, the few still clinging to branches now shrivelled and brown. Rot has overtaken the bark, causing large chunks of it to crumble away. It's almost as if autumn and winter happened to this tree within a single moment.

Vivir starts cheering loudly, while Rhuk once again makes the attempt to not appear impressed. Sarceron looks horrified as the last bits of cheer leave him and his face starts to pull into a scowl. Even Faelee doesn't look entirely pleased with this, but instead of admonishing the dragon, decides instead to change the subject. "If you're quite done showing off, Azorigal, I do believe I sent you down there for a reason," she says, motioning towards the lake.

"Hm?" Azorigal looks over at her, a little confused before turning his head back to the lake. He stares at it blankly for a moment before a look of realisation passes over his face. "Oh! Right, that." He looks back towards his superior. "Yes, Tir na Thuinn is gone."

Faelee raises an eyebrow. "You're sure?" she asks, remaining calm even as, just next to her, Sarceron's expression is growing ever stormier.

Azorigal shrugs his wings. "Well, I've never been there before myself, but I figured the realm of an god would be difficult to miss, particularly the one you described to me," he says. "There's no signs of anything resembling a civilization down there, nor anyone capable of holding polite conversation. Lots of really cool fossils though..." His eyes go into a daze for a few seconds, likely daydreaming about those aforementioned fossils, before he suddenly recalls that he's still in a conversation. He clears his throat again before motioning with his claw to over the lake. "I could try further a field if you'd like."

Faelee shakes her head. "No, I don't think that will be neccesary," she says. "Tir na Thuinn does not stretch beyond Ubtoa's island. If it's not on this side of the lake..." She stops herself, falling into a sombre silence.

Body tense and limbs ready, Mariel reluctantly shook the hand of the many titled gnomish cartographer. Handshakes with strangers never had grown on her. She preferred polite nods. At a distance.

Dimensional travel suited her. With her stomach unburdened by arcane ice cream, Mariel suffered no discomfort stepping from here to there in the blink of an eye.

Melvin’s mention of Tir na Og had thrown her off. An unwelcome feeling that left her fighting the lump in her throat. The glint in the uninvited goblin's eyes had faded from her watchful gaze. She was up to something. Likely something mischievous. Possibly something criminal. Mariel did not judge. The cartographer was not part of her pack. Nor the goblin. They would have to stand for themselves. Such was the way of the wilderness.

Caught in the swirling waters of sorrow and worry, she did not care much either way. They were close. They were closer at the very least. There was no time to waste. There was no time for caution.

Gesturing towards the arrayed maps, Mariel spoke with a sharp blade of unwavering focus,“Do you have a recent map of these lands? From before and after Tir na Og… vanished?”

Fyodor noticed Ulgad down the rest of his drink and, taking that as a sign that they would be moving on soon, quickly finished his own wine just in time to place his glass down at the same time as Ulgad.

"But enough of that!" Ulgad said then. "We should get going."

"I suppose we should." Fyodor said as Ulgad glanced towards the door to the wine cellar. "If we delay too long, the expedition will leave without us."

"Hopefully those two have passed on..." Ulgad said before pausing for a moment, looking thoughtful about something. "You know..." The gnoll spoke again, his voice quiet so as not to attract the attention of either Jarret or Wynvere. "The woman the Mercykiller was with. The one with the cat? Think I've seen her about before, though I can't exactly place where." The gnoll paused for a moment longer before shrugging. "It'll come back to me. Or not. Doesn't really matter much either way."

"Nothing ever does." Fyodor replied to that final statement.

"Hope she knows what she's doing hanging around with a guy like that." Ulgad added after a short chuckle. "They didn't exactly seem to be friends."

Fyodor opened his mouth to say something, but closed it quickly when a pat on the back from Ulgad startled the words from his mind.

"Alright!" The gnoll raised his voice then to get the attention of the other Bleakers. "Let's head out."

Fyodor rose from his seat, pausing a moment to allow Wynvere to quickly dart past him before moving to follow.

"We could have had one more drink," The sound of Jarret's words reached Fyodor's ears, making him pause and turn back to the Halfling.

"The time for drinking has passed." Fyodor said to Jarret before gesturing for him to follow the rest of the group. "Now is the time to face the bleakness of existence and do what little we can."

Tanrith didn't seem to get an immediate answer from the girl beside him, but more important to him in the moment was the rumbling "AHEM" of the dragon before them. He quickly spun around and looked back at the dragon, not wanting him to think he was being disrespectful or anything! He saw the puff of some kind of strange blackish, yellow energy and his eyes widened again. Was that a hint at his breath weapon maybe? What could it be? It definitely wasn't any of the elements he was familiar with. Still, he remained just as transfixed on the dragon before him as before, eyes continuing to sparkle as the large creature began to not only speak, but directly address him! He grinned widely, more than happy to accept all of the demonstrations that he was shown. He even jumped in surprise as the gem dragon was able to "invade" his mind.

"Whoooaaa!" Tanrith exclaimed, jaw dropped for a moment. "A gem dragon.... I've never heard of that before, that's awesome...." As he spoke, he began to drift into a light tone full of awe. "I had no idea that there was a whole other kind of dragon besides chromatics and metallics! And they can do that weird head-talk thing the Chief could do.... Argh, I wish I'd thought to grab a notebook or something.... Oh! S-sorry, hold on, can you give me just one sec?"

Suddenly, an idea seemed to pop into his head and he quickly scrounged around the area, before seizing what seemed to be a simple, flat stone from amongst the shoreline, only big enough to fit in his claw. "Perfect...." he murmured. As he did this, he ran over to Zyrech and began to dig through the bag he'd left on his body before withdrawing his Thieves Tools. He was quick to then plant his rear on the grass, spin the tools in his hand, and suddenly began to bring the tools down onto the stone. As he did, the tip of his tools began to spark and give of blue lightning-like energy around its tip as he worked. And then, a moment later, he exclaimed, "Done!" and then hopped back to his feet again.

Now inscribed on the stone were a handful of words, glowing with the same blue color as the lightning-like magical essence before as though inscribed in runes: "Azorigal (Azzy?), male (currently) topaz, amphibious. Really really cool."

"There, notes taken...." he murmured, turning his attention back to the dragon at hand. "So what were you going to show-"

However, Tanrith stopped himself short as he saw what Azorigal was pointing himself at. "A-ah, actually, maybe that's not a good-" he started, raising his claw, but was too late. His jaw dropped again. But this time, it was of alarm as he watched the large dragon unleash what seemed to be a burst of some kind of magical energy that reeked of death and decay. A scent he had smelled before--or at least something remarkably similar--during his first days in Sigil. The sensation seemed to take a grip on him as he stared in disbelief as the tree was completely enveloped in this energy and seemed to nearly decimate the tree, decaying and rotting it before his very eyes. The shock caused his grip on the stone in his claw to loosen to the point where it fell to the ground at his feet. Instinctively, that claw rose to his maw, covering his muzzle as though the mere scent threatened to make him sick.

But then, something seemed to come to his mind. He suddenly started forward. He didn't completely disregard the conversation going on behind him, but his attention was no longer on the topic at hand...as he seemed more intent on approaching the tree, studying it for a moment, wondering if there was anything he could do to perhaps put it back on the path to regeneration to try to fix the damage....

Tanrith worriedly examined the tree as the group behind him began to converse. He studied it as carefully as he could, noting the various forms of rot that had begun to set in, thinking about the magic-like abilities he had at his disposal. He thought back to all of the teachings he had been given way back in the day and the things that he had since learned on his own...but none of it seemed to be coming back to assist him in the here and now.

Tanrith frowned as he fell back to his last resort. He wasn't sure it would do much to help, but at least "almost nothing" was better than nothing. He found whatever parts of the bark and such he could that had been tearing and being worn down. He pulled up his tools and began to get to work. His specialty was in tinkering with machines and devices...but maybe there were other things he could do here. He started attempting to patch the tree's physical damage up as best as he could, readying himself to sit here for an entire minute to mend up the first large break in the bark he could find, attempting to stitch it back together...though he was clearly struggling to make any kind of actual difference here.

But as his magic was beginning to become infused with the tree, he paused as he...felt something. It was brief as he worked, but occasionally he would feel it. There was some kind of dim, very faint response from something. And after a few more moments of contemplation, he understood what was happening. There was a response from his magical stimulation, but...it wasn't strong enough. He needed something...more. Even if he continued to try, he wasn't going to make a difference himself.

"Ah crap...." Tanrith murmured under his breath before letting out a defeated sigh and slowly moving to put his tools away. This was definitely beyond his capability to fix. He stepped back and looked at the damage one more time. Luckily, it was only a single tree and shouldn't be TOO big of a deal, all things considered. Even if this tree died, eventually more green would regrow in the area. But that was a long time for something this scarred to sit here.

Tanrith felt a sudden surge of guilt well up within him. He knew it wasn't really his fault, but he had been the one to egg the dragon on. Even though he had no idea a dragon could have a breath like this, it had still been his own question that led to the demonstration in the first place. And right after he'd just finished telling Sarceron that he did his best to respect nature, too....

The small lizard turned away from the tree and back toward Sarceron, starting to approach the firbolg with an apologetic look on his face. "S-sorry, I tried, but I can't do anything about it. I-I didn't mean for him to- I-I mean, I didn't think he would...th-that is, uh...s-sorry...."

Lady Norinthall

---

This was an awfully excitable little...lizard, wasn't it? Somehow, she found it slightly endearing. Odd, but that was probably a good thing for the lizard. What she didn't like, was the other lizard poking around in her mind. Well, she supposed as long as it was telepathy and nothing else. Not like she could get in a word edgewise between the dragons boasting and Tanriths rather continued excitable state. Were all kobolds this cute? Or was it just Tanrith...maybe she should ask dad for some kobolds or something...

"Ahem. Since I have yet to get to introduce myself since the two of you were busy showing off and talking too much," Raella spoke up finally. She couldn't let herself be outdone, no. The definitely human and not changeling person would thus extend her arms to her side. A faint sound of a trumpet could be heard along with a few little sparks lighting over her head. "Raella Norinthall, of house Norinthall. I'm sure I don't need much more of an introduction, hm?" Yes, that was a perfectly fine introduction to this lot. Shame she didn't have a door she could just open or candles to spontaneously light.

"Did I hear that right? You're looking for Tir Na Ong as well?" She'd begin. "I was quite rather put out when I heard it had vanished. I was planning on visiting the library today."

Beigeiros shook the gnomes hand and nodded. "Yes, I have been to the elemental chaos a few times. It's not somewhere I would go often. As you stated it is ever changing." Calmly looked around the room to the many maps that Melvin had in the shop while others addressed the gnome.

He looked over to Garnet spoke up about being able to traverse the elemental chaos, and noticed the compass in her hand. Did she have that when they came through the portal? the goliath thought to himself. "Where did you find that?" Beigeiros asked the goblin gesturing to the compass in her hand.

Manyroads' Maps, Tradegate, the Outlands

@Lurking Krog @Abstract Proxy @Guardian Angel Haruki @Vertigo

Melvin didn't seem at all put off by Mariel's straightforward demeanor. In fact, her questions only seemed to fuel his enthusiasm. "I do indeed!" He gets up from his desk and starts heading towards the shelves, all while still addressing the party. "Though, the map of after is still very much in-progress. Haven't had too much time on my hands recently to do another tour through the Outlands, beautiful and mysterious as they are. While not as ever-shifting as some realms, it does change over time, sometimes in the subtlest of ways, and seems a little different depending on who's viewpoint you're looking through. Especially when you start drifting out beyond the gate-towns, towards the Hinterlands... now where did I put that?" He begins shuffling through shelves and drawers for a bit, mumbling to himself before he finally lets out a very loud "Aha!" and comes running back to show Mariel. He seems he's about to launch into a long explanation when Garnet interjects and he turns round, looking at her as if he's only just realising she's there.

"Hm? Was wondering where I put that," Melvin says, placing the maps on his desk for Mariel to look over before making his way over to where Garnet is. He doesn't seem to have registered that she took it from him and just attempts pluck it from her claws while muttering "Thank you!" as if she handed it to him... which she very much did not, but he acts like she did.

---

Ubiquitous Wayfarer, Lower Ward, Sigil

@rush99999

Jarret scowled at Fyodor, but otherwise said nothing, passing him to follow the others into the cellar.

The Bleakers will find it as Zaraknyvr and Tabiah left it, with the wine barrel still open and the portal flickering within, though it is steadily growing weaker.

---

Former site of Tir na Og, the Outlands

@Digizel @Rune_Alchemist

As Tanrith turned back towards the group after his failed attempts to heal the tree, he'd notice Sarceron was watching him. When he approaches the firbolg to apologise, he merely holds up a hand. "It's not your fault," he mutters. His tone is cold, but its easy to tell that said coldness is not aimed at Tanrith. His eyes then turn towards Azorigal, and then back to Faelee as the other firbolg turns to address Raella.

Nobody really reacts much to Raella's flashy introduction. At most, Faelee raises an eyebrow in an amused fashion while Vivir and Rhuk share a look. "Library? What do you..." Faelee begins before realisation then creeps over her face. "Oh you mean Ogma's House of Knowledge?" She smiles, seeming somewhat amused about something. "Oh yes I suppose you could consider that 'a library' of sorts." She then bows her head towards Raella. "Yes, we are looking for it. I'm Faelee. I used to live there, so the Doomguard thought I would be the best person to head up this expedition." She then glances around the empty field, which is growing foggier by the moment. "They might be a little disappointed with our finds however. This feels a lot less like Tir na Og was destroyed and more like it was never here in the first place, which is fascinating in its own way I suppose but very much not something the Doomguard might be particularly interested in."

Sarceron looks over at Faelee, looking absolutely frustrated with the detached way she's talking about their former home. However, he decides not to say anything, instead turning away. "I probably should gather the other Plane-tenders and tell them that Tir na Thuinn is gone as well." He then glances over at the damaged tree. "Maybe get some of our druids to tend to that. Might be something that can still be done for it." He gives Faelee one last look, completely ignoring the other Doomguard members and Raella before glancing over at Tanrith. He gives the kobold a nod, and even in his grim state, its easy to see that the firbolg has the most appreciation for him out of the others gathered around the lake. He then starts to leave.

"What's his problem?" Azorigal says while Sarceron is definitely not out of hearing range. He motions with a claw towards the tree. "I mean, it's just a tree. There are tons of them. That's what forests are, right? Lots of trees in one space?"

Zaraknvyr reached to stop Tabiah when she offered to 'go first' and 'make sure the coast was clear'. There were two things wrong with that:

1) If she went first, it could only possibly be to warn those on the other side of a portal to ambush him when he himself passed through.

2) If the coast was rife with danger, his need of the feline required him to go first to ensure Tabiah's own survival.

However, a third idea crept into his mind that was worse than both of those combined.

3) If Zaraknvyr goes first, Tabiah may still be here when those Bleakers inevitably come down in search of this very same portal.

His hand retracts and he nods. Those Bleakers poaching his wizard would be the worst possible reality of all, and thus he lets Tabiah proceed. Her all-clear came suspiciously all-too-soon. His eyes narrow. His fingers twitch. His neck itches. His shoulders hunch. He cackles quietly to himself. Then, he dives in.

He emerges in an explosive leap from the other side of the portal, whirling like a dervish, only to find himself in utterly peaceable environs. The light was harsher to his eyes, but not unbearable. Never unbearable, thanks to the parasite that writhed within his neck. The parasite that gnawed at him and made him hunger. Chatter flows from above, but more civilized and restrained than in the Wayfarer. The hum of the staircase- the horned shadow- the presence of another.

"Announce yourself. You approach Zaraknvyr, Mercykiller, come in search of Tir Na Og." He declares loudly to the approaching figure.

Only now did it occur to him that he should have obscured that portal from the Bleakers. Damn.

Fyodor paid little mind to his fellow Bleaker's scowling and moved to follow the group down into the wine cellar, fishing the gate-key Ulgad had entrusted to him from his pocket as he began his descent.

Upon reaching the portal, Fyodor became uneasy when he saw that it was still active. Even if it was just beginning to close, the fact that it had been used recently enough to still be open meant it was very likely that there wasn't as much distance between himself and the Mercykiller as he would have liked.

"Before we go through, has everyone made sure they have all they need?" Fyodor asked, hoping a momentary delay would create a little more distance between the two fellowships. "I doubt the expedition will appreciate it if we turn up and it transpires that one of us forgot something important."

"B-but I'm the one who-" Tanrith started, ready to put as much of the blame for the incident on himself as he could. However, his attempts were cut short as his attention was drawn to Raella for a moment. Normally, he would have been quite intrigued by the sudden display of magic and all of the fancy fanfare that accompanied her introduction! However, he wasn't quite feeling up to it at the moment. His gaze lingered on Raella for a moment before turning back toward Sarceron when his voice cuts into the air again.

Tanrith watched the firbolg give him a small nod and began to head off. That small acknowledgment did seem to brighten the little lizard up a little as his tail and shoulders straightened out a bit more, no longer as droopy as they were a few moments ago. He then heard the dragon behind him and turned around to look at who had once been such a source of inspiration and excitement not long ago.

"I-If I'm honest, I don't really understand it either...." Tanrith murmured up to the dragon. "B-but there are a lot of people out there who really care about nature and the trees and bushes and grass and stuff. I've got some friends in the Wylders who do, and I made some friends in Faunel who do too. and obviously Sarceron cared a lot too...." Tanrith frowned as he turned back toward the other firbolg, watching his retreating back. "B-but it doesn't matter. It's only right to respect that, right? I wanna make my friends happy. So even if I don't get it, if my friends care about it, then so do I!"

With that, he turned his attention back toward the dragon. "S-so can you please not do that again...? E-even when no one's watching. I-I mean...I-It's not like I'm trying to tell you what to do or anything, but...well, it's not costing you anything to NOT shoot the trees with your big decay, er...'death breath,' right...? It can't hurt to respect him a little more, can it...? Especially since he's the one who was living here...and he's one of the ones who's going through the hardest time right now.... A-and that just kinda made the whole thing harder on him."

"...Besides, don't you think that tree looked WAY prettier and WAY better before you hit it?"

With a frown firmly formed on her lips, Mariel studied the goblin with growing concern. It was clear the small creature had stolen the compass, her fellow Plane Tender had caught on, and further trouble seemed to be avoided only through the social graces of the merchant cartographer. However, the goblin was not her problem. She had more pressing concerns. Tir Na Og. That was all that she cared about.

Coughing softly, as she had learned people did when they wished to avoid an impolite interruption, she addressed the map maker, "Master Manyroads, how much would you charge for this map?"

She shot a cold gaze towards the mischievous goblin, a measured look that seemed free of judgment, but full of warning, "And a compass suitable for traversing such a place? I could perhaps, provide you with a more recent perspective of the altered lands once my task here is done?"

Lady Norinthall

---

How depressing.

This entire party had gone from interesting to mildly depressing. Raella, was offended. How dare someone be upset in her magnificent presence. Clearly, she should rectify this problem.

"Yes yes, that one. This is quite distressing to hear that my plans have been rather interrupted by the city suddenly vanishing. Really, now...whoever did this is going to get a firm visit from the judges." She'd huff, mind lingering on what Faelee had said. Rather than vanished, felt like it had never been there to start with? An odd way to phrase something, but maybe it had some merit. There wasn't enough information to think too much about it right now though, but she'd ask her dad about it when she got home.

Maybe he had some information?

If that was the case though, then why were people that had been clearly living there been unaffected? Logically if it 'had never existed' then the people that were currently living there would also not exist. Unless someone was purposefully messing with like...some time weirdness that only included the area immediately around it, and not the area outside of it?

"Haaa, my head hurts already." She'd grumble, turning to Azorigal and Tanrith. "Well, my scaled friends I can't say I get it either. What I do know though, my day has been thoroughly ruined and I'm gonna go home and just stuff my face with pastries at a tea party or play with the servants or something. This might be the only time either of you get invited." Her eyes however did drift over to Tanrith, and specifically his little contraption. "Mechanical dragon, huh...hows he work? I have a particular interest in magical artifacts, books, and contraptions."

Beigeiros frowned at Garnet as she moved the compass out of Manyroads reach, while offering to take other things off Melvinxs hands. He was about to make a comment when Mariel interjected offering to buy the compass with a map. Holding himself from saying anything further, Beigeiros quietly watched Garnet more closely hoping the goblin would catch the hint to not keep picking up things that did not belong to her.

Manyroads' Maps, Tradegate, the Outlands

@Lurking Krog @Abstract Proxy @Guardian Angel Haruki @Vertigo

Melvin's smile didn't fault, though he did raise an eyebrow as Garnet refused to hand over the compass. Mariel then called him over to discuss the map. He walked back over to her, though kept his eyes on the goblin. "Well, for one, that compass won't be of much help to you if all you want to do is traverse the Outlands. I have a much more suitable compass if that's what you're looking for. The map itself will be 1 gp and if you provide me with updated information on that part of the Outlands, I'd happily throw the compass in for free." He then motions over to Garnet. "However, if your friend over there wants that specific compass, she's going to have to pay for it, and it is one of a kind so it will be a little pricier."

He nods over to Garnet. "Again, I'm willing to negotiate a discount. However, until we have discussed such business and you have given me the proper payment, I would ask that you hand over the compass to me right now." There's a slight, almost inperceivable change in tone when he says that last part.

---

Ubiquitous Wayfarer, Lower Ward, Sigil

@rush99999

"Now, that you mention it," Jarret said. "I think I'd like to go back for another drink-"

"No," Ulgad said, almost immediately, and takes a step in between the halfling and the staircase.

Jarret folds his arms over his chest and gives a loud snort. "You're no fun," he says.

Ulgad then looks back towards Fyodor. "I don't think we have anything else to do here, and we shouldn't keep the rest of our expedition waiting." He looks at each member of the group. "Normally I'd go first, but I feel I should wait until, err, after a certain someone has gone through." He casts one more glance at Jarret before looking over at Wynvere and Fyodor. "So who would like to go first?"

Wynvere looks over at Fyodor. "I don't mind going first," she says, though she doesn't make any move to head into the portal. Clearly, she's waiting for Fyodor's decision.

---

Revelhome, Ecstasy, the Outlands

@Fading Memory

Zaraknyvr's order makes the shadow pause before a large minotaur man pops his head round the corner of the doorway. "Err, hello?" he said. "I'm, err, Tianore. I work here at Revelhome as a bartender." He took an extra step forward out from the door frame. He looks at both Tabiah and Zaraknyvr. "Err, I'm guessing you're both from Sigil. Had a few people coming through that portal the last couple of days." He nods towards the barrel they just exited from. "Erm, we have a special offer that, err, anyone who enters through the portal gets a discount to their total order, if you're, err, interested."

---

Former site of Tir na Og, the Outlands

@Digizel @Rune_Alchemist

The longer Raella speaks, the more amused Faelee's expression became, but she withholds saying anything directly to her.

Azorigal tilted his head to the side as Tanrith asked him not to use his breath weapon on trees anymore. "Erm... okay," he said after a long moment, clearly not fully understanding but sensing he might have caused some upset. "I will try not to aim my breath attack at any trees or plants..." He glanced over at Faelee, as if to make sure he was saying the right thing. The firbolg nodded and Azorigal gave a small sigh before turning his attention back to Raella and Tanrith. "Erm, yes!" he says, wanting to clearly change the subject away from his faux pas. "Tell us about your little... contraption... thing." He looked over at the robot dragon. "I know that's not based on a gem or a metallic dragon, that's for certain."

As he's talking to them, Faelee turns back towards the rest of the Doomguard, and they begin talking amongst themselves a little ways away, likely about what to do next with the information they have gathered. Even further afield, Sarceron can be seen calling out to get the attention of other Planetenders, clearly wanting to fill them in on this recent discovery.

Tanrith seems to perk up at Azorigal's words. He smiled at the dragon, grateful that they seemed so up front and reasonable. He opened his mouth to respond, only to suddenly hear Raella--and very quickly afterward, Azorigal--inquired about his mechanical companion. And suddenly, his mood brightened considerably. Now the little lizard was practically beaming!

"OH!" he exclaimed brightly with a wide grin on his face. "Right! Agh, I'm sorry Zyrech, I totally forgot!" Tanrith spun around and immediately rushed over to the side of his mechanical companion. "Azzy, Raerae, this is Zyrech! My masterpiece!~ I made him myself from the ground up. I even made all the metal plating too! Zyrech, this is Azzy and Raerae, my new friends!"

At his introduction, the mechanical dragon bowed his head, but said nothing.

"I haven't figured out how to make him smart enough to think for himself yet," Tanrith continued. "So for now, all he can do is respond to specific stimuli with prerecorded actions. He can't take any complex action without my vocal instruction. But he can understand and process every word we say! He knows Common, Draconic of course, and even Giant!" As he spoke, he dug into his pocket, pulling out a small stone, holding it up to his maw. "Cool, right!?"

As he said that, he lowered the stone and fidgeted with Zyrech for a moment, sliding the stone into his mouth. "And if I inscribe a recorded message onto an object and put it in the latch at the back of his mouth like this, he can tap it on my command with his jaw and it lets HIM say it!"

"COOL, RIGHT!?~" suddenly came the voice from Zyrech's maw, sounding exactly the same as when he himself had said spoken those same words only a few seconds earlier. Tanrith flashed the pair a wide grin at that.

"Oh yeah, Azzy, you were wondering about the design, right? Well you're right, I designed him after a Blue dragon. See the horn here, and the frills on the side and how the spines look...? I immediately knew that a Blue dragon's what I had to base my design on 'cause it's the same color as Captain Stormclaw!" He chuckled again. "I mean, it also pairs well with me 'cause I'm the Lightning Fang, but that's just kinda icing on the cake, y'know? ...Aw man, now I'm kinda hungry...." He reached down and then patted his stomach a bit. "Forgot I basically haven't eaten all day today with all the stuff going on...."

And at long last, his nonstop tirade seemed to have finally come to an end. His passionate, almost babbling presentation stopping seemingly because of a mention of food, even if it was just a figure of speech. Whether anybody actually understood what he had said, or whether they were able to process it properly or not, one thing was easily understood.

He certainly didn't seem sad or depressed about the situation anymore.

Aaliyah listened to the shopkeeper as he answered her question and informed her and the group that they weren't in Tir Na Og but in Tradegate, the place closest to the location in question. When the shopkeeper, Melvin, asked if they were heading that way, she nodded yes in response. She does shake his hand in greeting when he moves to do so, and she answers his greeting, "It's nice to meet you, Melvin. My name is Aaliyah," After Bruno ruffles his feathers and hoots, she introduces him, "And this is Bruno,"

She looked at Mariel as she asked Melvin for a recent map of the area, and nodded in agreement. She raised an eyebrow when the goblin who followed them here declared that she could navigate the area. Beigeiros took it upon himself to ask the goblin where she got the compass in hand. Upon hearing her answer, Aaliyah resisted the urge to facepalm. So she stole the compass?!

While she was glad to hear that Melvin had maps to help them navigate this area, something she and her friends need, she was unhappy to see that the goblin was unwilling to return the compass to its rightful owner, and even offered to take more things off of his Hans. Both she and Bruno narrowed their eyes at the goblin. A mental conversation took place between the two of them.

Aaliyah listens to Melvin as he informs the group, and after hearing the price for the map, Aaliyah immediately moves to fish out a gold piece from her coin purse, while Bruno prepares himself by shifting his talons from his perch on Aaliyah's shoulder, and lowering itself like a cat. He stares intently at the compass, like it is a mouse to hunt down. Aaliyah can see that Melvin's suggestion wasn't going to work on Garnet, which meant that the plan was a go.

While Garnet gives her response to Melvin, Bruno moves to carry out the plan! The form of the owl is ideal for this task: The feathers in the wings allow the owl to move silently and stealthily as it strikes! It flies past Garnet, scoops up the compass in its talons and flies over to Melvin to drop the compass in his hands.

After that, Bruno flies back to Aaliyah's shoulder and gives a smug look to Garnet.

Aaliyah speaks up to Melvin, straightening herself and putting on a persona of leadership as she heard from numerous stories, "I apologize, Melvin. This goblin is a stranger who followed me and my friends here. We do not condone theft,"

She then moves to him, and gives him a gold piece, "Mariel and Beigeiros are helping me with my mission, so the obligation of payment falls to me. I'm also willing to provide information regarding that part of the Outlands as well,"