As small as his achievement at the farm had been, Elandor was proud. No more innocent blood, unless that of the cattle perhaps, would be shed that evening, or any time in the near future. With a victorious feeling he walked alongside the others and brought the animals before the astonished Kelzonians. Before he allowed them to take the cattle he had some words that his heart needed uttered.

“We have brought you more than you requested, but these cows are not all for slaughtering. You shall learn to raise your own stock with these, so you will not have to fight the farmers any longer.”

He spoke extra slow, so they would understand his meaning.

“In time, you must go to the farmers and ask for their knowledge of breeding. I am sure that if you come with respect, they will give it to you in return.”

The lizardmen looked at him, and he expected them to start laughing any moment. They held still. But he feared that they had not caught on to his intentions.

“Stealing is bad.” He concluded before he followed them. Automatically he held his hands in front of his pouches, to shield the ‘borrowed’ content from the Kelzonian eyes.

The feast that followed later that day wasn’t bad at all. If he had expected a boring ceremony of some sorts he was wrong. To give the lizardmen an extra treat he retold the story of the Odly Shaped Stone in his pouches, that he believed was a diamond once. After that he was quick to fall asleep, for rest was welcome. His dreams were full of the events that had happened that day.

But events kept unfolding. Elandor wanted nothing more than to stay for a few more hours and take some of the Kelzonians to the farm and learn from the humans. Time was not on their side though, and his friend the whale was still waiting for him somewhere in the ocean. When all his travels in the name of the gods were done, he would come back here and create a peace between the scaled people and their neighbours.

The river took them back to civilization as they knew it, in the form of the beautiful city of El Jalnine. The guards at the docks asked their interests, and Elandor had a ready answer for them.

“I’m interested in seeing a cartographer. One that sells maps from all kinds of lands. Also, I would like directions to your barracks.”

Scourge was pleasantly surprised when he saw the others return with not only cattle, but more than they had previously been tasked to get! Elandor came before the Kelzonians and gave them their cattle, along with a small lecture on the evils of stealing and to be self-sustaining. Scourge could not help a small smirk creeping on to his face as he heard the diminutive kender speak out against theft, but ensured that his thoughts were not let slip by Gabriel.

Following the ceremony, Scourge enjoyed the reception they received, although he continued to remain silent. Despite their hospitality, he was still not sure how these lizardfolk would take to a talking raven, and he did not want to risk having his longtime companion eaten.

The following morning after his prayers, Scourge went with the rest of the group down the river, where they soon arrived at another city. The simple guards greeted them, welcoming them and asking them if they required assistance. As usual, Elandor was the first to speak, inquiring of the guards where their barracks were, as well as to where he could purchase a map. Thinking this was wise, considering they still had to find this maelstorm, Scourge kept his silence, allowing the kender to speak as he so often did. He would travel along with his diminutive companion, assisting in the acquiring of a map as well as hopefully keeping the kender out of trouble.

The sacrifice and their reception afterwards went well, although Rinrin doubted they would attempt to properly raise the cattle.

The following morning the party left the Kelzonians, following a rather pretty river to the beautiful city of El Janine. Here they would have some time to spend doing as they pleased. Just in case things got hectic, Rinrin decided to address the group first:

"We should find an inn for us all to stay in, and we can meet up later on tonight and decide just how long we're going to stay here?"

After saying that, whether the others reply to her or not, Rinrin then addressed the guards, after Elandor had his reply (kepping in mind the location of the barracks for her own reference).

"Good day! I wonder if you could list for us the various inns in the city? I would also like to know if there's any sort of gnomish population in the city? Any inventors or something of the like that you could direct me to? And if you could direct me to the church of Inenhalla, I would be most grateful."

It had been awhile since she had spoken to any of her own kind, and they would perhaps have some news of her homeland. She hadn't been gone long, but nor was she used to being away; she did wonder what was going on there, and she missed her people. Gomes seemed to her to have a decidedly different mindset than the other races she had encountered. If there happened to be some thoughtful inventor she could assist for the day, it would do as a nice reminder. If that didn't prove fruitful, she could always see if she could be of use at the local barracks or her deity's church.

Whatever she ended up doing, she would certainly be paying respects to her goddess at some point. It was a large city, too, but Rinrin was sure she could manage to make her way around it with the help of Conjori. Scratching him under the chin, she waited for the guard's reply, and for the group's decision on a rendevou point.

The whole deal with the Kelzonian had gone a lot better than Teros had expected. The bulls were bought and lead with them without incident. The Kender tried, although vainly, to explain to them that it would be far better to raise the cattle so they had a continous supply of meat and would no longer have to battle the Ralnarians. The attempt brought a small smile onto Teros's face and a bit later, as they were walking back, he russled the poor Kenders hair up a bit and gave him a friendly smile.

It was amazing, to Teros, how these people lived. Not that he found it difficult to believe people could survive in these conditions, but how they could seem so void of life at all. No emotions seem to come from them at all and he couldn't help but to compare them to the vast majority of animals who seemed to be the exact same. Perhaps not all of them were like this though, he thought as they lead the group, along with two bulls, down to the water. Without ceremony or any words they picked Damien and him to lead the bulls into the water. Teros wasn't eager to get back into the water, or to lead the bull to its death, but he did it and got out before the deed was done. It was quick and disturbed Jalem slightly. He closed his eyes and shook his head as they lead him away.

The rest of the night was uneventful, and indeed somewhat enjoyable. No feasts and no great stories, but it was quite pleasant. Perhaps the best part was leaving though. Even though the raft didn't look very safe Teros was glad to see it and be on his way. They were told it would lead to Human settlements but he had no idea that they would mean El Jalnine.

The city was beautiful and the beauty was only enhanced by the setting sun. Knights of Lavuria stood atop the walls, faint images of the gardens, the voices of hundreds of people crowding the marketplace even this late in the day...it all was a testament to Ralnarian people's ability to survive and thrive. Of course he had been very impressed with the lands to the north, but there was nothing quite like being in ones own lands. Ignoring the larger ships who threatened to wipe them all out Teros stood, one hand on his hip, looking at the city.

His casual demeanor to the larger ships turned out for the better as nothing happened. They docked and were greated by two guards who seemed pleasant enough. One by one the party members asked for directions to places under some unspoken agreement they would all split up, relax, and meet up later. It crossed his mind that this wasn't a very good idea as they hadn't decided where to meet up later, but he was sure they would all cross paths eventually. All of the party members, except perhaps himself, would stand out and he would be sure to find them if he asked around. However Rinrin seemed to address exactly what was on his mind and he nodded silently at her. If all went well he wouldn't be spending the night with the group.

Finally it was his turn.

"Good day Friends." he smiled at the guards, speaking in their native tongue. "I'm interested in visiting a temple of our Goddess, perhaps one that would be willing to tell me of the various Orders of warriors who have dedicated themselves to Lavuria?"
He knew the rest of the group might not appreciate him speaking in Ralnarian, but when else would get so many chances as in his homeland? Besides..it would be better to surprise them.

September 7th/Sunday Evening Central Ralnaria/Siris River
El Jalnine

Even as the groups tiny raft made it’s way through the massive, stone lined waterways that formed the main artery of life in El Jalnine, they decided that they would take this opportunity to take a few days off from their quest. After all. They were running low on money, and would need some sort of income in order to aquire the types of service necessary to not only travel the vast expanses of water and land that undoubtedly lay before them, but any number of other expenses may also lay before them, and a pocket full of gold was better then an empty one.

It was Rinrin, who inquired as to the locations of the local Inns and taverns, and very wisely pointed out that the group should meet back up that evening at a selected tavern, to determine how long they would remain in the city. The two, grubby looking guards, who were very obviously simple garrison, replied that there were a number of taverns along the Waters Edge. (Evidently, The Waters Edge is the name of the strip of city that lines the Siris.). As for a good Inn with pleasant food and friendly atmosphere, they simply pointed directly behind them. The Waters Edge may have once been lined with individual buildings. However, time and wealth had worked together to construct what could best be described as massive, complexes, sprawling entire blocks. The entire waterfront was like one massive, building who’s structure, design, and floor level was as various as the people who passed beneath the eaves of it’s shops. The landscape it formed was one of many stepped platforms, and gold laced spires. However it was very clear that this was all made up of many many individual shops, hotels, even homes. Directly Before them was an arched doorway. Hanging overtop of it was a sign, shaped like a coiling green serpent. Elegant sweeping writing decorated the serpents scales. The writing was in Ralnarian, but just below it, in less dramatic writing, was the words “Riversnakes Den”. This would make a fine rendezvous point!

With there meetup point determined, the party each inquired as to the directions to their separate destinations, and split up.

Riversnakes Den The arched doorway in the whitewashed side of the massive waterfront leads into a fairly large common room. There are only two windows, one on either side of the entrance, but they provide a decent view of the river below, as well as the passing boat traffic, and the shops that line the opposite side of the river. The walls and ceiling are whitewashed stucco, stained yellow by smoke, and lined with round support beams. Colorful tapestries decorate the walls, and full length tables fill the room. Booths line the walls, and a large bartable sits opposite the doorway. A woman in her early fourties, with black hair streaked silver, a slender figure, and pretty face is wiping down the tables. She introduces herself as the tavern master, Jhillan.

September 7th/Sunday Evening Central Ralnaria/Siris River
El Jalnine
Barracks Office

Elandor and Scourge had wasted little time in looking into the business of making a bit of money, and finding adventure. Their first stop was the Riversnakes Den, where the tavern master, who introduced herself simply as Jhillan, sold them a Map that she pointed out with great pride “Covers the entire city accurately. I made it myself. I am map maker in my spare time.”.

Their next trip was to the barracks. Elandors map indicated several barrack points, located throughout the city. However, one particular point was starred, and labeled as Barrack Offices. The kender started down the dusty, paved streets in that direction, and the towering figure that was Scourge followed. As they made their way through the many arches and winding streets, they were not unaware of the stares they were receiving. Particularly Scourge, who stood a foot taller then the locals, and even in the intense heat of the setting sun, was robed entirely in black, and hooded over a broad brimmed hat. His face even, was wrapped. With the crystal bladed scythe and the keen eyed raven on his shoulder, he was reason for mothers to grip at their children, and men to eye him sidelong. Not all the looks the received were of caution and distrust. Scourge noted that more then a couple men cast him glares that meant only one thing. They wanted an excuse.

The trip to the Barrack Office was not a long one, and soon enough they had arrived at a squat, round building made of the same, white stucco that made up the rest of the city. A walkway led passed two griffon statues, that eyed the passing public with stone eyes so keen they could almost be real; and at the front door sat a lone guard in simple, brown leather armor. He stood as they approached.

“State you business, sirs.”

September 7th/Sunday Evening Central Ralnaria/Siris River
El Jalnine
Gnomfeld Embassy

Rinrin was overjoyed to learn that there was not only other gnomes to be found in El Jalnine; they had a permanent trade station set up, and their own embassy! The city also had a small shrine dedicated to Inenhalla, and it was found conveniently enough, at the Gnomesfeld Embassy. Without any hesitation, she was on her way, following the instructions that the guards gave her. She was to follow the Waters Edge east until she came to the city walls on the far side, and follow them to the left, until she came upon a sign that would direct her. Simple enough!

As she followed the waterfront she found herself enthralled by the sheer immensity of the place. The forest of people, clothed in every color of the rainbow was very much intimidating, and though she was good at maneuvering through crowds, she found herself nearly kicked or tripped over far too many times then was healthy. What glimpses she did get of the many venders that lined the waters edge, gifted her with sites and smells she had never before experienced. From exotic foods to brightly colored fabrics, to jewelry that shone like stars.

They journey to the far side of the city was a long one, and the sun had settled beyond the city behind her, when at last she reached the far well. It was lined with massive portcullises, towers, and guardhouses, but it was clear that they were ancient, and a part of old Ralnarian history. Though the Portcullises were still manned, most of the guardhouses were now shops, and the towers were filled with the nests of swooping and shrieking gulls. Following the wall now, she found that the streets were less crowded, and she didn’t need to cling to the panting Conjori so tightly.

When at last, she reached the Gnomefeld Trading station and Embassy, she did not need a sign to inform her. She had come up a gradual incline, and nestled against the wall, overlooking a good portion of the marketplace and Waters Edge was a small series of buildings that she recognized immediately as gnomish. Not half as big as the buildings needed to accommodate the big folk, the buildings were domed, and painted in a beautiful array of blues and greens. To her they were like Emeralds and Sapphires amongst the white stone of the city. On the far side of the series of what totaled 7 buildings, was a walled off garden, lush with green trees and bushes. Lining the wall that encircled it were small Owl Statues. One of Innenhallas sacred animals.

In the center of the ring of buildings was a small fire pit, and even though the sun was yet to settle, 6 Gnomes could be seen, dressed in the brilliant colors, vests, and leggings of her people. They were busy starting a small fire, but as she approached, one looked up and pointed her out. Without hesitation, the small group made their way for her, and one by one hugged her. As they did so, they introduced themselves. (Customary to hug a gnome guest into another gnomes dwelling or property as a sign of embracement.). Three were men and 3 were women, and their age varied from her age, to the eldest, who sat sported a pointed white beard. His name, she can recall, is Boffi, and he is the first to speak.

“What brings a Priestess of the Mother to our humble dwelling?”

September 7th/Sunday Evening Central Ralnaria/Siris River
El Jalnine
Cathedral of Dawn
His instructions had been simple enough. Follow the single road that was paved in white. And so he had, and it led him through the city, and beyond. Now, a good half hours walk beyond the city gates, he stood before the mighty Cathedral of Dawn. He had heard about its immense beauty when he was a kid, and his father had even been to it once, but never had he laid eyes on it before.

Now, he stood on the Ivory Road, enwrapped in the shade of the massive, leafy trees that ran alongside it, and in the dying rays of the setting sun, he drank it in. The cathedral sat atop a small, green hill, like a massive white and gold crown. Huge, spindled buttresses ringed the massive, peaked centerpiece. The stone was white, but the gold inlays of the framework and the caps, gleamed as brilliant as if while the sun died, the Cathedral of Dawn would remain, casting it’s light upon the city, throughout the night. Of course, Teros knew this would not be the case. With a pause, he continued up the road, and to the gated wall that surrounded the building. The entire wall, he noticed, along with the surface of the cathedral, was not smooth, but frilled, woven with intricate murals and designs depicting the goddess, saints, and celestial beings he didn’t quite recognize. The cathedral must have taken at least a century to construct!

He had little time to be impressed however. The gate was open, but two men dressed in the intricately crafted, bronze and sapphire armor of the Lady of Light were approaching. They walked leisurely, and their halberds were held against their shoulders. When they reached him, one spoke in Ralnarian.

“The gate closes at sundown, friend. If you wish to make prayer and offerings, you’ll have to do it quick, or in the morning.”

“The Riversnakes Den, hm?”

After the incident with the aquatic behemoth, Damien was more than eager to spend his time elsewhere in this city, for the name of the tavern alone was enough to bring to mind thoughts of being pitched about from the maw of the creature. Unconsciously, his fingers traced the remnants of that incident, carved upon his thigh. Yes, he would spend his time somewhere else.

But what to do? The bard had nothing he needed to accomplish here. Exploration? The burning sun drained away all motivation of wanting to wander around in the marketplace. He’d suffer quite the sunburn, as well, which was something he truly did not desire at the moment.

“To the abyss with you,” He flashed a quick glance upwards at the sun, blazing away high in the sky. It didn’t dawn on him that anybody around might interpret that as an act of heresy, though if any spoke his language, it might be an issue.

Shrugging his shoulders slightly, the bard took off for shadow cover between two buildings, finding instant relief in the darkness. He needed to do something lest boredom crush his mentality. Everybody else had things to do, so why not he?

The thought crossed Damien’s mind that he might set a performance in motion, be it singing, storytelling, poetics, or juggling, but the thought was fleeting. He felt no motivation to do anything of the sort at the moment.

He heaved a deep sigh, and leaned back against a wall. His pack kept his back from grinding against the uneven surface, but at the moment, he couldn’t have cared. What was wrong? This was a brand new place he’d probably never see again, and he just couldn’t inspire himself to go out and do anything. The end of all creation was impeding on him, apparently. He needed some sort of relief…

(OOC: Not much to it, but then, there is nothing he wants to do right now. For relief… Damien will hunt out the equivalent of an opium den, and spend his day there.)

“State you business, sirs.”

Elandor looked at the guard before him and then back at the two Griffon statues they just passed.

“Don’t you agree that those eyes look remarkably real? Those Griffon eyes? I felt like they were watching me. Isn’t that strange?”

He looked back a final time, and with great difficulty put his attention upon the man with questions.

“I am Elandor Underhood, and this is my good companion Orion and HIS companion Scourge. He may look a little scary but underneath those feathers lays a heart of gold. We are three souls looking to do good for a little money. The best place to find honourable quests would seem the strong forces of the guards, wouldn’t you agree?”

He grinned at the guard.

“Perhaps you have a senior officer that would be interested in my ways of stealth and my companions’ ways of magic and strength?”

Scourge knew for a fact that many of the locals were giving him odd looks as he traveled with Elandor, but it hardly mattered. His heritage alone tended to get the most suspicion, and he conceded, his attire was not entirely conventional. After getting the map from the tavern owner, Scourge followed Elandor, silent as always. Orion sat on his shoulder, watching the locals as they passed by.

Soon they arrived at the barracks, and as he expected, the guards present were understandably hesitant to let them in. Within seconds, the diminutive Kender was talking as if his life depending on it. Content at this time, Scourge watched wordlessly, and Orion gave a small caw as Elandor finished his proposal. What happened next was up to the gods, and Scourge was content to see how they wished things to go.

After having eagerly pressed through the crowds of people for so long, Rinrin could not contain her joy upon seeing the buildings of her people pop up before her. She giggled to herself, amused at the thought that they could never loom up, as the huge white buildings that made up the rest of the city would do. They were not built for the taller people - they were built for her own, and she missed the cozy feeling that even just being in their presence brought her.

As she drew nearer, she saw a group of 6 of her fellow gnomes gathered around a fire pit, and it was not soon after that they spotted her. A wave of nostalgia took her as they each came up to her, one by one hugging her in welcome. There was a certain politeness in the ways of the gnomes that the big folk seemed to lack; it was more than enough to set Rinrin smiling happily, her laughter only just contained beneath the surface. Conjori, sensing the good cheer surrounding his master, was quick to say his own hellos to the group: licking hands, and faces where allowed, and enjoying any attention he could garner.

Amidst the bright, beautiful colours of the buildings and the clothing of her fellows, not to mention what she could see of the beautiful garden and the intricately carved Owl statues, Rinrin almost did not notice the eldest of her new acquaintances asking her a question.

"What brings a Priestess of the Mother to our humble dwelling?" Boffi was saying. The young gnome turned her bright eyes to him.

"Even if your dwelling were the most humble in existence, it is far more welcome than the tall, lifeless walls of the big folk," she said to him, meaning every word despite her giggles. "My name is Rinrin, and that is my partner, Conjori. I've come for simple reasons, though. To pay my respects to Inenhalla, of course - I wonder if I may have a guide through the lovely garden guarded by her sacred sentries? - but also I wish to hear of any news from Gnomefeld, and to see if there is any work I may do to help out my fellows while I am here in El Jalnine, and to help fund the remainder of my travels, though I know not how long it will be. I journeyed from our homeland a while past now, leaving with the blessing of my family."

She went on to briefly describe her journey thus far and the trials she had faced with the party, though she left off the most intricate details of the reason for the group's mission, laughing and smiling as she did so. "We've been through a lot, but it has brought me ever closer to my faith in the Mother," Rinrin said at last, with a glance to the Owls. Even with eyes of stone, their gazes was full of wisdom, and ever-watchful of the area before them. "She takes careful watch over all creatures, and has never been unfaithful to those who love her guidance."

By now, Conjori had returned to sit at her own feet, enjoying a playful scratching at his ears. Smiling at her hosts, she couldn't help but wonder what it was the group did here in El Jalnine, and it wasn't long after that the question had left her mouth.

"If there's any work Conjori and I can do to asist, we would be more than grateful - although I do wonder, what it is that you all do, and how each of you came to be here?"

Teros nodded his head respectfully at the two guards. He smiled slightly before speaking, speaking as calmly as they had walked over to him.

"Good evening friends. I am here seeking training as a defender of Lavuria and her children, not for prayers specifically. Would I be able to enter now and meet my potential teacher? Or at least prove my worth?"
He was clearly eager to both learn of Lavuria and to dedicate himself further to her.

September 7th/Sunday Evening Central Ralnaria/Siris River
El Jalnine
Barracks Office
It hadn’t taken the odd coupling of Elandor and Scourge to locate the squat, domed barracks office. Beyond the twin, stone griffons that watched the street stood a single, very bored looking guard.

“State your business, sirs.”

Elandor looked at the guard before him and then back at the two Griffon statues they just passed.

“Don’t you agree that those eyes look remarkably real? Those Griffon eyes? I felt like they were watching me. Isn’t that strange?”

He looked back a final time, and with great difficulty put his attention upon the man with questions.

“I am Elandor Underhood, and this is my good companion Orion and HIS companion Scourge. He may look a little scary but underneath those feathers lays a heart of gold. We are three souls looking to do good for a little money. The best place to find honourable quests would seem the strong forces of the guards, wouldn’t you agree?”

He grinned at the guard.

“Perhaps you have a senior officer that would be interested in my ways of stealth and my companions’ ways of magic and strength?”

The guard didn’t speak for a moment. It was clear by the scrutiny he studied them with that he was weighing their worth, and perhaps, honesty. At last he turned and shouted something in what was most likely Ralnarian, through a slit in the white washed front door. A moment later a large man with broad shoulders and a rounded belly sauntered out and studied the group. In turn, they were given the opportunity to study him. His head was shaved, and gleamed in the setting sun. A graying beard hung nearly to his chest, and he was dressed in layered robes of midnight blues and deep purples. In one hand was a sheathed, longsword.

“Yes. Yes if you be looking for some gold, and don’t mind getting a little dirty to get it, then we might have a job or two for you. Follow me.”

Turning and without looking back, the man sauntered back into the building. The group followed, and Scourge was forced to duck just to enter the room. It had the making of a reception area. A large, wooden desk sat in the center of the room, and a door stood in the center of each wall. The walls were decorated with tapestries of black and gold and red and blue. They seemed to depict the separate branches of the Ralnarian Military.

The large man was busy rustling through a mess of papers that covered the desk. He muttered over his shoulder.

“I am captain Hurger, by the way.”
When he turned to face them, he held a piece of paper. Placing an Ocular in his right eye, he studied the parchment.

“On the fifth day of the Bronze Month, a surveyor was sent to the ruins of Kal-Ajin. His duty was to survey the area, and the architecture of the buildings still intact. He had been hired by a Non-military guild in charge of preserving historical sites in the El Jalnine area. He returned the next day, white with fear. He could not explain what had frightened him off. Only that dark creatures had moved into the ruins. A reward of 1000 Gold pieces has been offered for whoever is able to determine whether or not the Kal-Ajin ruins are infact, now inhabited by fell beasts; and, if infact It has been overrun, it must be cleared before a reward can be given.”

Holding the paper forward for Elandor to take, captain Hurger continued.

“We are very busy, and currently, El Jalnines garrisons are dwindled, as half of our stationed military has been deployed to the northern border between Ralnaria and the Brown Hills. Relationships with the barbaric peoples of the Hills have become very tense lately. We do not have time, for every petty nuisance that is brought to us. If you would scout the Kal-Ajin ruins, and determine what, if anything, dwells within its walls, and clear the area of whatever may be present, then return to me, and I will resend the agent in charge of surveying the area. If he verifies it is clear. Then you shall have your reward.”

Thrusting a scroll forward he added

“Here is a map. Kal Ajin is only a couple hour journey south of El Jalnine. All matters should be concluded by tomorrow evening. Now, do you accept, and do you have any questions? If not, then you are dismissed.”

“Well done, young one,” murmured the monk as Elandor lead the others back from the small community of humans. Not only was Elandor successful in retrieving the two required livestock for the sacrifice, he had brought two more, apparently a bull and cow.

Though this seemed to surprise their lizard-folk guards, or at least as much as they could seem to be surprised, they let little show through before turning the group back towards the lizard-folk community. Vilyamar did not feel especially strong towards the optimistic point of view that Elandor held for relations between the humans and their current hosts. While the kinder seemed exceptionally insightful in a solution that may end completely in peace, the monk did not sense any wish within their hosts to remedy their situation. They believed that the Dragon Eel would protect their waters and as such protect their village. The status quo satisfied.

Upon their return, Vilyamar noticed that those around them had a remarkably more relaxed manner about them. The lizard-folk seemed to tense before at the sight of strangers. Now they were nearly accepted. He could almost feel the racial barrier that was innately set between them, just as was between him and nearly everyone else, yet he was surprised by the quick acceptance they had gained. They were treated to a feast that included freshly stewed meat that was most likely belonging to one or both of the cattle that Elandor had brought back “extra”.

With their debt paid, the group spent the remainder of the evening comfortably. Come dawn, the lizard-folk provided the party members with an ample amount of rations and filled waterskins. They departed on a relatively small raft formed of reeds and bound with dried fibres. Sturdy, yet somehow it felt ominous. Vilyamar watched the edge carefully, seeing how far the raft sunk as each member boarded, but it held.

The trip down the stream and river were uneventful. The monk took his turn steering the craft as was needed and spent the rest of the time watching the banks. Nothing special passed by in the wall of green trees and the scaled reptiles that slid into the river did not seem threatening towards such a large group. It wasn’t like they were riding along in barkskin canoes, threatening to tear at the slightest whim of the river.

Soon, however, the small river widened, becoming what could only be the Siris. It was not only to his surprise that the tall spires of El Jalnine rose above the horizon as the burning sun slowly steeped beneath the western ridge. Long shadows fell from anything standing in the red light. Even at this time, crowds could be heard and seen past the pier.

The party disembarked their small vessel, mooring it at a small lower dock beside on of the larger piers. A pair of guards met them at the base of the staircase leading upwards towards the ground level above the stone waterways. The others immediately acquired the information they desired from this pair of guards while Vilyamar simply hung back. He had donned the light cloth garments that so many around the desert wore in the morning, wrapping the long piece of cloth over his head as Teros had shown him a few days earlier. He took the turban off now, rolling the cloth and placing it inside the small pack that carried his robes, cloak and a few other items. It was still too warm to don the cloak, but he almost did. The guards gave Scourge and Orion and Elandor the majority of their attention at the moment.

Soon they were on their separate ways after having decided that the tavern known as the Riversnakes Den would be their rendezvous point for later on that night. Vilyamar proceeded into the tavern and inn along with the others initially and he, too, purchased a map from Jhillian if a second was available. They would be separated at times and he would like to know how to get places on his own should the need arise. He thanked the tavern master and exited shortly after Scourge and Elandor. Those two went along on their way, while Vilyamar stood and stared up and down the bustling streets for a few moments, deciding what he would do. His gaze wandered towards sun, revered and respected in these lands. It was low, but would offer light for a little while yet.

The monk strolled down the Waters Edge, looking at all the different taverns and shops…and people. None truly caught his eye and he wasn’t exactly interested in anything in particular. He was simple in his ways and was really watching the people who were moving about their business quickly. Vilyamar kept a hand near his coin purse and another on the single strap of his pack that was on his left shoulder. He thought of anything he might need in the coming days and his mind thought of two things: a smith and a wizard. Both professions created many wondrous items and Vilyamar could think of a few things that may come in handy if they could be found.

((Will look for a smith then a Magician. If none can be found he will look on his map for a training grounds of sorts or a monastery for the physically spiritual. Sorry for being so slow. I will endeavor to keep up better in the future))