"Hey Tralen, were there any powerful people or wars here recently?... I get a off feeling from this place."
"Not that I know of," the bard replied, gazing around himself, "Most of Pardinal has been occupied by some foreign force at some point, so anything could have happened."

"I guess we should just top up on supplies and get ready for tomorrow, Will you all be going to the inn and get supplies in the morning?"
"Agreed," Assal nodded, "Unless anyone has anything they want to do whilst we're here. I'll deal with the supplies and acquiring rooms at the inn, if you wish. I owe you all that much at least," he added with a grin, "Since I'm the one who dragged you all here."
Without waiting for a response, Assal strode calmly off towards the inn. Anyone who wished to follow was capable enough of doing so, in his eyes.

Well, what is the plan," Moonbeam asked the group.
"I'm not sure," Aquascales admitted," I think Assal and Tralen have planned the most."

Assal nodded, "Well, the idea was to head northwest, towards the Ruins of Athera. The sword I seek is said to be in the hands of a bandit of that region. As to the outlaw that we have also been hired to deal with, he is also apparently in that area. I suppose that we shall head steadily in that direction."
“Sounds like fun!” Moon piqued up, “Lets go!”

She fell into place walking along with the others. She had to walk fast because of her shorter stride in order to keep up with the others, but it didn’t seem to slow down her mouth at all. She talked almost constantly, telling stories of her adventures. Did they know that once she talked to a dragon and managed to escape from it’s lair? Did they know she once snuck into an orge’s cave in order to save the life of a small farmer boy that had been taken? Did they know she once fought off an entire goblin army by herself?

They couldn’t be sure but her tales sound very hard to believe.

The parts they might easily believe were the parts where she seemed to find small baubles and objects which would some how ‘drop’ into her many pouches leaving her wondering how she acquired such fancy things. It wasn’t that they were all valuable, sometimes they were just bright color junk, but sometimes they could be quite exquisite gems worth a considerable sum.

Arriving in Fudrien, she smiled listening to the guards bicker about the possible and was about to interject her own when she noticed the others were continuing on into the town.

“I like those guys,” she said as she hurried to catch up to the group.

Walking into the town, Moonbeam’s interest was immediately piqued by the shops and marketplace. She was disappointed to see that most of them were closed. She liked browsing the shops, and who knew what might ‘drop’ into her pouches.

"I guess we should just top up on supplies and get ready for tomorrow, Will you all be going to the inn and get supplies in the morning?"

"Agreed," Assal nodded, "Unless anyone has anything they want to do whilst we're here. I'll deal with the supplies and acquiring rooms at the inn, if you wish. I owe you all that much at least," he added with a grin, "Since I'm the one who dragged you all here."
“Well all I require is food,” Moon answered as Assal started to head off towards the Inn, “if you could pick me up some that would be great. I don’t eat much!”

She watched the group split up some, she looked around and then followed Oswald. She didn’t know why but his words about the ‘feelings’ from this town intrigued her. He seemed off to somewhere more interesting than an Inn.

(OOC: I know you said ‘…they walked in silence, occasionally broken by a joke from Moonbeam…” but that isn’t her style. She doesn’t tell a lot of jokes, unless you consider her tales to be funny which they often are just not to her. . So I have presented above what she actually did during the journey. )

Aquascales first began to follow Assal; however when he noticed Moonbeam following Oswald, he decided to follow them instead. It wasn't that he didn't trust them. No, he was just worried about them being together. They didn't seem to get along too well, so perhaps it was best to kep an eye on them. All Aquascales hoped was that the two of them put aside their differences and work together. Besides, it might be best for Aquascales to read books on the local religion. He wanted to know which ones were worth avoiding, and which ones would be displeased with his worship of Bahamut. He jogged to catch up with Moonbeam and Oswald. He was confident that when the adventure truly began, they'd all get along just fine.

The three of them walked the road as Oswald was searching for the library. "Im glad we got this chance to spend a little bit of time together." Oswald walked along the road and when they got to the library he snickered a little. He went to open the door but it was locked.. He tried several times to open it getting rather frustrated. He looked around to see if anyone was around, then slowly shifted his gaze to moonbeam. "Soooo... this door seems to be quite the hinderance this might be a good chance to...teach.. lockpicking." Oswald said with a sly smile as he looked at Aquascales behind her.

"Soooo... this door seems to be quite the hinderance this might be a good chance to...teach.. lockpicking." Oswald said with a sly smile as he looked at Aquascales behind her.
“What?” Moonbeam asked with a frown and reached out and tried the door herself even though she had walked up seeing Oswald trying the same, “Locked? Well that is just rude.”

She knelt down in front of the lock, her small form hidden behind the form of Oswald and Aquascales. As she looked at the lock her hands reached into one of her pouches and drew out a couple of picks and a rake.

“I mean people need knowledge you know?” she continued to talk as her hands inserted one of the picks and the rake and worked expertly at the simple lock.

“If they keep the doors locked how are people suppose to get to the books? Locking doors at all is rude and unnatural. I mean the whole purpose of the door is to open, and if you lock it you attempt to defeat the purpose of the door. It is just wrong.”

CLICK!

“There,“ she said standing up and slipping the tools away and turned the knob watching the door open, “isn’t that much better?”

Oswald slowly opens the door making his best efforts to remain silent. He looks back at aquascales "Maybe its best if you stand guard out here to make sure our research is uninterrupted, It may be our best chance at Finding Assals sword and about Tharex lair. If we happen to come across a book of bahamut or tiamat I will be sure to bring it for you."

He whispered to Moonbeam "See if you can find anything good in here all libraries have the best things hidden."

Oswald scoured through the the sections of books always maintained noise discipline, He found a book at a powerful mage known as Redstaff. He quickly searched through the book to find some very interesting things and moved onto the next where he found a book called "Hero of the Vale."
he smiled as he skimmed the pages.

He slowly and silently crept towards the door and motioned for moonbeam he knew there was something extra jucy but it was better not to press your luck.

"Thank you lady moonbeam your skills have proved invaluable today." He smiled and shifted his gaze to Aquascales

Oswald exitted the door and greeted the paladin "We have discovered much thank you for your vigilance in this situation." as he smiled.

Oswald had one more stop but this one was better alone, the others might not be so understanding especially Aquascales. Oswald was the type of cleric who wouldnt mindlessly hunt the undead, he knew that in death they could still be helpful and noone really wants to be alone and want to know that they helped the world or harmed it.
Oswald wasnt the type of person to waste such valuable knowledge, Death afterall was all part of the flow of time.

Aquascales was definately horribly suprised when Oswald and Moonbeam decided to pick the lock; furthurmore, he was suprised once again when he was designated door guard. He stood guard quietly, but was definately concerned with the law. Bahamut taught his followers to obey the law wholly. Aquascales, however, decided that Bahamut would overlook this minor infraction. They were, after all, going after another, more terrible criminal. Aquascales slinked a little bit away, trying to stay somewhat hidden in the darkness. He wasn't very good at sneaking compared to other Kobolds, but at least his armour was dark enough to help a llittle bit with sneaking. He hesitently guarded the door despite feeling increasingly guilty about it. If someone saw what was he to say? That he saw two people enter and was investigating? He hated to betray his allies, but the criminal needed to. Be dealt with. Luckily, the moment Aquascales feared never came, and they were soon on their way. He nodded in response to Oswald, but he stayed quiet. once they began to walk, he began to trail behind. as much as he wanted to tell Assal, he worried that telling him would drive a stake into the groups loyalty. perhaps later, after the murderor was dead. aquascales swallowed his guilt: he walked toward the inn quietly hoping to atone for his actions.

Assal met the group in the main square - Tralen having followed him to the tavern and back again.

He nodded to the paladin, cleric and... Moon, and summed his actions up.
"I got us four rooms, with two beds in each, and I thought I'd let you all decide on how we distribute them. I'm happy anywhere.

"Anyway, I heard from the bartender that lots of important and interesting stuff has happened recently..." he let that sink in, before following up with "...in the city of Coria. I suggest that from tomorrow we set off to these Ruins of Athera, and look for this bandit guy. Any better ideas?"

"See if you can find anything good in here all libraries have the best things hidden." Oswald whispered to Moonbeam before he slipped inside.
She wondered why he was whispering and why he asked Aquascales to ‘stand guard’? Why did anyone need to keep any eye out? Was there criminals about that one needed to watch out for?

But she put all those things out of her mind as the though of ‘best things hidden’ could mean. Slipping inside the library she looked around for hidden items. After a few minutes she was soon bored, she found no hidden treasures here. It was filled mostly with books, which didn’t look interesting at all. When she left the library though a few small maps and scrolls managed to ‘fall’ into her pouches before her departure.

When they left she smiled at Oswald’s praise of her skills; though she wasn’t sure she had done anything really except for opening the door which was a simple thing. When Oswald went to walk away from them, she started to follow him.

(Assuming he gives her a look or says something outright)

She frowns as she realizes he wants to be alone, so she turns and follows Aquascales instead.

(Assuming the two of us run into Assal)

“I got us four rooms, two people per room, and I thought I'd let you all decide on how we distribute them. I'm happy anywhere.” Assal said
(Are there 8 of us? You said 4 rooms, 2 per room?)

“I don’t really know any of you well enough to share a room with you,” Moon said frowning and looking at all her Male comrades, “nothing personal but… I think I will find my own place for the night.”

As she sits at the table with her glass, she still looks around, while pulling her cloak more around her making sure no-one can see. she senses that someone is following her every move or staring at her trying to figure out on what she is hiding. she pulls down her hood of her cloak to reveal her face and her very long golden hair that is braided. "shhh everythin is going to be ok" she whispers quietly to herself that no-one can hear while looking down to her stomache. she right hand is upon her stomache.

“I don’t really know any of you well enough to share a room with you,” Moon said frowning and looking at all her Male comrades, “nothing personal but… I think I will find my own place for the night.”


"Well My lady I have a room that I am no longer in need of."

Standing behind the group was a man that most of them had met before the one that set them on the trail of Tharex. He took a low bow to the group putting one arm behind his back and coming up with a small smirk. "I hope you are staying on your feet better these days Sir Assal. It appears i have mislead you about Tharex it seems like he has more back up then anticipated.."

He looked directly in Assals eyes and gave him a look that all experienced warriors know to well. "Might I accompany you then, I feel my assistance may come in handy in a tight spot."

The man known only as M noted the appearance of a new member to the team, as well as the non-appearance of the mysterious drow lady. He figured not all of them would take the bite but he knew she would be sorely missed in this adventure. But the appearance of the new shorter lady with the light looking fingers. They had thier work cut out for them but after seeing them he felt a little bit more confident in the odds.

"Shall we turn in for the night the first round is on me, Assal if you dont mind my I have your ear for a minute before we retire for the night."

(OOC Arwen i think you posted in the wrong thread

Aquascales had expected that they would be sleeping on the road in their bedrolls; however he was suprised,but pleased, that he was in an inn again. He was still focused on the library incedent, but he knew now that with more backup this bandit was a bigger threat. At least Moonbeam and Oswald weren't fighting now. Aquascales had been figeting akwardly since the library. He did what he could to keep that in check; though he wasn't as successful as he hoped. "Well... I'm ready for bed," Aquascales notified everyone," unless someone else hads something in dire need to do something?"Aquascales was aware that the man known as 'M' had arrived, but decided to leave that up to Assal. Assal seemed to be a better leader than Aquascales was anyway.

Moon’s frowned deepened and then she blushed slightly as she realized she had made he mistake.

“Forgive me,” she said with a smile, “I misunderstood. I will take one room myself then since there are no other females in our group.”

She turned as the newcomer spoke up and offered his room. She looked him over and raised and eyebrow and studied him suspiciously.

“Thank you good sir!” she said with a faint bow of her head, “but I will be fine with one of the rooms that Assal has acquired for us.”

She didn’t know what to think of this sudden arrival, she had thought all the group that was coming had traveled with them. But this guy seemed to know several others of the group and seemed real close to Assal so she guessed he was alright.

“Well,” she spoke to all of them, “show us to the accommodations you have acquired Assal. I would like to eat and then turn in for a comfortable nice rest as it will probably be the last bed we sleep on for awhile.”

She headed to the Inn where she would see about a small dinner and maybe a relaxing drink or two before turning in early. In her room she would wash up using the pitcher and water basin provided. She would turn in after making sure the door and windows were secure. She fell asleep quiet quickly and enjoyed a wonderful restful sleep.

The next morning she would rise, get dressed and double check all her pouches to make sure they were properly attached and the location of the most useful items were well known. She would go downstairs, grab a small bite to eat and maybe some milk to drink and await the others so that they could get underway early as they probably had a long journey ahead of them.

"I hope you are staying on your feet better these days, Sir Assal."
Assal laughed, "I exist to serve as slapstick, good sir."

“Well,” Moon spoke to all of them, “Show us to the accommodations you have acquired, Assal. I would like to eat and then turn in for a comfortable nice rest as it will probably be the last bed we sleep on for a while.”
"We have rooms 1, 2, 3 and 5 on the first floor. Ask the waitress for the keys. Oh, and I paid in advance for some food for tonight, so grab yourself something. Their lamb cobbler smelled delicious," Assal informed her with a nod.

"It appears I have mislead you about Tharex, it seems like he has more back-up then anticipated... Shall we turn in for the night? The first round is on me; Assal, if you don't mind, may I have your ear for a minute before we retire for the night?"
"Of course. Would you prefer that we talk in the comfort of the inn, over a flagon of ale?"

The man looked to Assal and smiled, "Why sir you have seemed to read my mind."

On his way in he moved quickly to catch up with aquascales, and said in a low voice as to keep the conversation private. "Good friend you seem far less cheerful then when we last met, what ales you honorable paladin of bahamut?" he looked for a few moments at the burden kobold "You know I heard a rumor that a building had been broken into in town just tonight, strange thing dont you think?" "But you know I also heard they didnt steal anything and that there was a small coin purse left for the inconvience that more then covered the repairs. It seems there is much honor in that especially if it was for a good cause wouldnt you say." He said with a caring small as he put a reassuring hand on the paladins shoulder, he then walked ahead. While he made his way into the building he softly said "The Dieties sure do work in there own mysterious ways."

M Set at the bar enjoying a cup of fine tea when Assal set down he gave him a stern look. "I was wrong when I told you of Tharex he has an ally Visiting that while worth a substaintal bounty is also highly skilled and highly dangerous." "I dont know if your men and women can handle this challenge and I couldnt send you into a situation like that. My resources tell me he will be there around dusk tomorrow I dont know for what or why or how long."


The Man took a few sips of his tea and then reached to his pocket and pulled out a vial. "I have a few more of these and they will be rather effective if you choose to continue your endeavor." His gaze showing his resolve as he looked Assal straight in the eyes,"I will also be joining you."