Asher nodded at the fox for the obvious help and scooted his chair back in when Rosie arrived with the drinks ignoring Pete's remarks.

"Thanks Rosie!" he said with a grin and proceeded to blow on his too-hot tea. "Have you heard any stories about Shadow returning? Do you know anybeast that's seen it?"

"Thanks Rosie!" he said with a grin and proceeded to blow on his too-hot tea. "Have you heard any stories about Shadow returning? Do you know any beast that's seen it?"
Fenir thanked rose as he took the cider from her.

Fenir couldn't help but slouch slightly as he drank and listened to rosie.
Fenir kept one ear focused on the direction of the stairs, just in case vi squeaked for help.
He berated himself slightly, not that he didn't think vi could handle herself but at his lack of trust in others in general.

Fenir played fidgetingly with the rim of his half emptied cider cup.

"Thanks Rosey!" he said with a grin and proceeded to blow on his too-hot tea. "Have you heard any stories about Shadow returning? Do you know any beast that's seen it?"
Any playfulness on Rosey face left, the colour draining at the mention of the dark name. “Aye, we’ve heard more than a tale or two. A black curse for our friends at the quarry, I’d say, like a dark fable coming true.” Her voice quieted to a whisper as she leaned in. “Talons like spear points to impale its prey; a beak that’ll rend armor. Death on night’s wings, they say.”

Leaning back, the mousemaid retrieved a handkerchief and dabbed her forehead. “A terrible thing! A terrible trouble! The moles sitting at the bar mentioned the beast had come again last night, with his wretched vermin rider, demanding more tribute. Dreadful. Awful, really.” She says as she pushes herself from the table and is about to go back to her work. “It’s a terrible thing.”


===========================================================

Turning to look back at the couple, Vi smiled, "Thank you. That's never happened before..." she trails off a bit.
The hare maiden smiles a gentle smirk in return. “An attractive little creature such as yourself never received any attention,” she clucks her tongue against her teeth. “I find it hard to believe. Still,” looking back down the stairs with distain, “those beasts are not worthy of your time.”

"I'm Violet, or Vi in short." Violet offers.
“Ah!” cried the hare. “Where are our manners? I am Camille,” she says, taking Violet’s paws in her own. “Though, most kind creatures call me Cami.” Turning towards the fox, she begins, “And this is...”

“Luchian,” the fox says, gently stooping down to take one of Violet’s paws is his and kiss it softly. “Our apologies for the beastly behaviour of those two. Why Rosey continues to extend her hospitality to them,” he turns to Cami, “has been a matter of some debate between us, hasn’t it, dear?”

“Hmmm,” Cami replies, shaking her head is disapproval at the squirrels’ behaviour. “It matters not, though. We should not speak ill of our host, though,” she says thoughtfully to Luchian, “There’s likely many a folk who wonder why she shows us any graces too.”

“A fair point, my fair darling,” Luchian concedes with a soft smile and a nod. Turning his attention back to Violet, he continued, “I doubt very much the scoundrels will bother you anymore, Miss Violet.” Giving the squirrel maid a polite bow, “A good night to you.”

“Yes, yes,” Cami curtseyed as well, “May your rest be peaceful this night!”

Cami took Luchian’s offered arm and, together, the two of them turned to leave.


OOC: Alright! For real now... last call at the inn.

Reralae: If you wish to ask any follow up questions to the fox and hare before they head to their room, you may.

Astrid and Bodkin: If you wish to follow up with the moles at the bar, you may. Or with Rosey, if you like.

You, by no means need to pursue either group with more questions... I`m honestly not sure they`ll give you anything helpful.

If you do wish to pursue them with more questions, feel free to put one or two in your initial post as actually dialogue, and list the rest of the questions in an OOC section at the end of your post, and I’ll look to weave a dialogue out of it.

Next update will likely be Thursday night, and I’m really hoping to moving you to the Quarry.

Thanks!
Ayrn

Asher flinched at the mention of "vermin rider" and nearly spilled his tea. "That's news.", he thought as he regained his composure.

After finishing his tea quietly he bid his friends good night adding, "I'm sure Weldon will be wanting an early start."

He found his bath nearly ready and savored the steam while it was topped off. The murmur of the common room was muffled as he relaxed into the bath with his hatchet at arms reach. Though not too long. He washed and then proceeded to clean his tunic sleeves and blot the mud off his clothes.

He found his room to be relatively comfortable and curled up in the divot in the center of his straw mattress after hanging his damp clothes on the fixtures for quicker drying.

Asher had bid the group good night.

As Fenir stared into his empty cider mug he couldn't help but think of what the moles at the bar had mentioned.

with a sigh it was getting quite late, he slide his chair back winching at the loud squawk it made. he walked over to the bar and leaning on it in what he hoped seemed a friendly matter.

he quickly calculated if he had enough to buy the moles a round of drink to ease their tongues an to help pay for any info he'd receive from them.

(if he has enough he'll buy them all a round then extra for those who are willing to talk. if he doesn't he'll just buy a cheep shot for the one/s willing to give good info and vi can pay out of the shared funds in the morning. seeing he'd only buy if the info was exceptionally good, and something not common place.)

"you boys, know of this vermin rider ? what can you tell me other then old' mouse tails?" Fenir questioned with a slight anger in his voice, the inflection shocked him slightly though he quickly hid it.

(moles answer)

after quickly warming up to the group and getting quite tipsy in the process.

fenir hoped he could remember the information in the morning as he made his way quite noisily to his room.

(possibly with rosie or one of the serving girls help)

flopping on to his bed still clothed he simply kicked off his boots and pulled his cloak over him. he was snoring before the (who ever helped him) shut the door bidding him a good sleep with a soft chuckle.




( so questions fenir would ask.

details on the vermin rider, species, what wepon is he said to weild, what kind of enterage is he said to hold, is he high ranking or is he third in comand under shaddow, and what kind of tribute is he asking for money? folk for labour? threatening to eat folk?



mabey you can put in that the moles insist fenir play a drinking game beings he's quite larger then them, they'd assume he's either got a stronger constitution then them. but being from the abby he'd have little accord to drink strong an cheep (hooch) so its up to you how much or how little gets him 'drunk'. though its all for fun, and a little info and i'd expect him to either get accolades for drinking one of the moles under the table or ribbed good naturedly for going down like a light weight.)

The hare maiden smiles a gentle smirk in return. “An attractive little creature such as yourself never received any attention,”
Violet averted her gaze slightly and shook her head instinctively, though she tried to keep the motion from showing.

she clucks her tongue against her teeth. “I find it hard to believe. Still,” looking back down the stairs with distain, “those beasts are not worthy of your time.”

"I'm Violet, or Vi in short." Violet offers.

“Ah!” cried the hare. “Where are our manners? I am Camille,” she says, taking Violet’s paws in her own. “Though, most kind creatures call me Cami.” Turning towards the fox, she begins, “And this is...”

“Luchian,” the fox says, gently stooping down to take one of Violet’s paws is his and kiss it softly. “Our apologies for the beastly behaviour of those two. Why Rosey continues to extend her hospitality to them,” he turns to Cami, “has been a matter of some debate between us, hasn’t it, dear?”

“Hmmm,” Cami replies, shaking her head is disapproval at the squirrels’ behaviour. “It matters not, though. We should not speak ill of our host, though,” she says thoughtfully to Luchian, “There’s likely many a folk who wonder why she shows us any graces too.”

“A fair point, my fair darling,” Luchian concedes with a soft smile and a nod. Turning his attention back to Violet, he continued, “I doubt very much the scoundrels will bother you anymore, Miss Violet.” Giving the squirrel maid a polite bow, “A good night to you.”

“Yes, yes,” Cami curtseyed as well, “May your rest be peaceful this night!”

Cami took Luchian’s offered arm and, together, the two of them turned to leave.
Violet gave a curtsey in return, "Thank you again, and a good night for you as well." She turned to her own door and entered, using the room key given to her and slipping inside, barely opening the door beyond what was necessary clearance for her small frame.

Once inside, she breathed a sigh of relief as she closed the door behind her. She lightly rubbed her cheeks, which still felt a bit warm. If she had foresight she would've requested a bath as well, but there was no real way she could have known this would happen. Instead she does the next best thing, lightly washing her face from the basin (if there is a small one in the room).

"I wonder which one it was. Or maybe it was both." Violet mused, "I suppose it doesn't matter now." She lay on the bed after getting ready.

"Cami." She murmured, "And Luchian. Thank you."

((And unless there's any interruptions, she'll probably sleep until woken up ))

As Violet prepared for bed, she could feel a deep chill enter her bones, an ache in her joints and a cloudy fog in her mind. She crawled into bed, thankful for the extra blankets Rosey had the foresight of leaving and the end of her bed.

It was a long and fitful sleep for the small squirrel. Cold sweats and a feverish forehead plagued her throughout the night causing Violet to toss and turn, pulling on blankets and tearing them off. However, when a familiar voice roused her the next morning, it seemed as though the worst had passed by. Even though Violet was damp and cold with her own sweat, the ache and fever were gone.

“I’ve poured a bath for you, dearie,” Rosey said softly, gently prodding Violet. “Figured it would be good for you to wash away the night terrors.”

The mousemaid gave Violet a smile as the squirrel opened her eyes. “Good morning, love. Time to rise and shine and greet the sun. A guest has arrived from the Abbey for you. She is waiting for you in the common room, though she has said there is no rush.”

OOC: Violet is tired/worn out from a restless sleep, but the sickness seems to have passed by.
========================================================

Asher watched as the mud from the journey gradually washed away from his body, hair, and clothes. An earthy smell filled the bath room as the soil mixed with steam. The vapours worked wonders in clearing out his sinuses while the heat of the water worked its way into his bones.

Worn out, the squirrel warrior hung his clothes to dry and quickly bedded down for the night. Sleep came swiftly, and Asher slept soundly until morning light.

OOC: The bath and a solid sleep has helped clear away the sickness for Asher.
==========================================================

As Asher excused himself for the evening, Fenir decided to speak with the miners at Rosey’s suggestion. The moles were friendly enough, though grim, and invited the badger sit and joined them.

“Rosey,” Fenir piped up, “A round for these fine beasts for their troubles. And glass for me as well.”

“Hurm,” the middle mole nods. “Might’ kind o’ y’.”

“It’s nothing,” Fenir waves the miner off. “Compared to the troubles I’ve heard you are facing at the quarry.”

Rosey returns with a pitcher of dark hazelnut brew. Fenir fills the moles mugs and his own as well. “To your health,” he says as he raises his glass to the moles.

“I’m Fenir of the Abbey,” the badger says by way of introduction.

“Doren,” says the middle mole. “And this ‘ere’s Urie ‘n m’ left, and Jory ‘n m’ right. From the quarry.”

Fenir could tell by the darkened demeanor on the moles’ faces that they would not likely take kindly to some jovial drinking game and shifted his approach accordingly. “Master Camber has sent my companions and I to see if we might lend you some assistance. ”

The trio give Fenir an appraising look. Doren speaks first. “Hurm! Creator b’ gracious, best o’ luck t’ y’. It’s a bad business we’ had.”

“Oye!” Urie quips. “Unless y’ got sometin special ‘idin’ on y’, not sure ‘ow y’ gonna ‘elp much. M’ friend, Hansen tried t’ pierce th’ beast with ‘is spear... the shaft just passed right through th’ beast like it were a shadow.”

“I watched ‘im eat Jory m’self,” pipes in Jory.

The other two moles look at their friend. “You’re Jory,” they say in unison.

“Oye?” Jory replies. “Right! I meant I’d still th’ owl eat Urie right b’fore m’ eyes.”

“Bah!” Doren gives his companion a shove. “Of t’ bed with y’, y’ fool. Urie’s right ‘ere.”

“Ne’ermind ‘im,” Urie continues with Fenir. “Too much o’ Martin’s ‘ouse brew.”

“What can you tell me about this vermin rider?” Fenir presses.

“Hurm!” All three of the moles spit as if trying to get a bad taste out of their mouths, before each takes a long pull from their mugs.

Ol’ Ratrug,” Doren continues. “Why th’ beast b’ takin’ on th’ likes o’ that foul shrew leaves all us guessin’.”

“Wish th’ owl would eat ‘im for lunch,” quips Jory.

“And then chokes on th’ bones,” adds Urie. The moles break out in a deep laugh.

“So, the shrew and the owl,” summaries Fenir, “what are they after?”

“Gold, lad,” Doren says grimly, “pure an’ simple... though can’t say why. What’s th’ beast goin’ t’ d’ with all that gold?”

“’specially if e’s dead,” Jory adds. “I got m’ a feather from th’ beast. Black as night it is. I tell y’, th’ thing ain’t natural. Maybe it was b’fore, but I tell y’, Shadow’s come back from th’ dead t’ haunt us.”

“Bah!” Urie says dismissively.

“Alright,” Doren says, standing up and grabbing Jory by the collar. “Time t’ get y’ t’ bed. Sleep this off b’fore y’ say any more foolish things.”

The moles get up to leave.

OOC: Astrid, you are welcome to have Fenir ask one last question if you like before they leave. Please note that the moles do not know the answer to any of the other questions you listed.
“Thank y’ for your kindness,” Doren says as they leave. “Best o’ luck t’ y’.”

=========================================================

OOC: More to come... it's what I got so far.

Violet yawned as she stretched. Morning already? She grumbled a bit to herself. Her body felt weak, and her eyes were not opening. It had fought a ferocious battle overnight, and so the exhaustion remained. It took her a moment to register that she was not alone in her room, aided by the gentle touch at her shoulder.

“I’ve poured a bath for you, dearie,” Rosey said softly, gently prodding Violet. “Figured it would be good for you to wash away the night terrors.”
Violet gave a soft eep and quickly withdrew her arms under the blankets in reflex, before realizing that it was their hostess.

"Th-thank you." Vi spoke, her voice weak like her body, but still with the honest feeling behind them. Conversation helped awaken Violet a bit, and she slowly shifted to sit more upright on the bed, still holding a blanket around her.

The mousemaid gave Violet a smile as the squirrel opened her eyes. “Good morning, love. Time to rise and shine and greet the sun. A guest has arrived from the Abbey for you. She is waiting for you in the common room, though she has said there is no rush.”
Violet immediately paled slightly under her fur. With the two day trip it took for them to get there, that meant that she traveled faster than wagon (which was possible) or left not long after them. Thankfully that band of bandits should have been dissuaded from picking on the road, at least for a while. Did her intuition tell her that Violet unintentionally broke her promise? If so, was she here to check on Violet?

"Is she okay? Who is it?" Violet asked, even though she was fairly sure she knew the answer.

Not wanting the rest of the pitcher to go to waste, Fenir sat at the bar long enough to drain two more glasses of the rich brown ale while thinking through the details the moles had shared about this Shadow. Martin came out from the kitchen and began to clear the glasses the miners had left behind. “Need another glass, lad?”

Fenir looked over at the innkeeper. His head felt heavy, slow in responding to his will. His eyelids felt heavy too and it required some extra concentration on Fenir’s part to focus in on his host. Martin watched at the hefty badger swayed slightly on the stool. “On second thought, forget I asked, lad.” Martin clapped Fenir on the shoulder. “Best you be heading to bed now, I think. Sleep off the ale. The nut-brown is potent... I imagine you’ll sleep well.”

The badger followed the advice of Martin and moved, slightly unsteady, to his room. Oltovian was already sound asleep and Fenir quickly joined him, too tired to even remove his clothes.

==============================

"Is she okay? Who is it?" Violet asked, even though she was fairly sure she knew the answer.
“Oh, now, you know, love,” Rosey says, slightly bashful. “She told me, but it’s completely left me. Hmmm... Robin, maybe? A slight mousemaid, ‘bout your frame. Sweet lass... curious about everything it seems. She spoke briefly with your otter friend before he left in a rush. Took the lizard she rode in on, if I not be mistaken. Seemed urgent alright. Whew! He was moving fast, dearie!”

Rosey sucks in a breath, “Well, I must be off. Wouldn’t want the muffins burning, would we now? Take your bath, though, lass. I’ll keep your guest entertain until you’re ready.”

Rosey scurries out of Violet’s room.

Violet sighed after Rosey excused herself. She wasn't sure if it was from relief, embarrassment or perhaps a twinge of disappointment that she was wrong.

Either way, Rosey was right. She needed to wash and bathe. Making her way to the bath, Violet double checked that it was unoccupied before entering. Inside, she carefully locked the door behind her, putting her things to the side and removed her shawl.

Violet had picked her shawl for its design, able to hide her arms and, by extension, her wings. She stretched out fully, feeling the membrane that made up her wings spread. It wasn't often that she had the opportunity to feel her complete wingspan. Her stretching done, she took a deep breath, before she submerged herself in the hot water. After a moment, she surfaced to take another and relaxed, leaning against the side of the tub.

Violet made sure to wash herself completely while she had the opportunity.

With that done, she dried herself off, retrieved her things, and made her way down the stairs to the common room.

tap, tap, tap...
The sound of Martin’s small fist knocking on Asher’s bedroom door woke the perceptive squirrel scout from his slumber. “Uh... ‘allo?”

OOC: Insert Asher’s response here...
“Ah!” Martin says. “A good morning to you, to you, Master Asher. And a good sleep you’ve had, you’ve had indeed. The morning is wearing on, it is, it is. Mid morning, in fact.”

OOC: Insert Asher’s response here...
“Master Oltovian,” Martin begins, “has departed early this morning. Returned to the Abbey, he has, he has indeed, yes. A message came for him in the night, it did, calling him home at once.”

OOC: Insert Asher’s response here...
“Ah! Ah!” Martin continues. “Master Asher, a lass from the Abbey has arrived, has arrived she has, and is waiting for you in the common room, in the common room she is.”

OOC: Insert Asher’s response here...
“Also, ah, sorry, sorry,” the mouse host goes on. “Master Weldon sends his regrets, he does, he does. He’s said he had to move on, move on to the Quarry. Said he hopes to see you there, he does. ‘Can’t wait for sleepy-heads,’ he said, he did.”

OOC: Insert Asher’s response here...
“Oh! And, and,” Martin continues a bit hesitantly. “you should rouse your badger friend, I should think. Yes, you should. The brew was a bit too strong for the lad, it was I’m afraid.”

With that the mouse host scurried away.

OOC: Bodkin, feel free to respond as you will... Astrid, Fenir is still slumbering off the alcohol... You may take yourselves up to the point of coming down to the common room. More to come...

[Back at the Abbey, 2 days ago, around noon.]
The guests had arrived at the Abbey the same day Weldon’s wagon train had left, missing each other by four hours at most. A family of otters, refugees, from south of the Abbey accompanied by a troop of Bowser’s rapid riders.

The old hedgehog noticed the resemblance immediately between his charge and one of the lads. Questioning the otters, his suspicion was confirmed... the lad was not theirs by natural birth, but they had come upon him in the woods fifteen or so seasons ago, and took him into their care.

Take care of them, the dying lass had said to Bowser as she handed him Oltovian. The hedgehog warrior had spent some time searching the surrounding woods after that, but had found no signs of any other otter younglings. His companions had tried to ease his mind, told him the mother had probably just meant for Bowser to care for her mate and her baby, nothing more. But the old hedgehog knew in his heart they were wrong. That was fifteen seasons ago.

Now, Bowser knew in his heart, the lost child had been found, and it brought the hedgehog much joy. He put in a request to the Abbott that Oltovian be recalled home immediately. Machin offered his daughter’s services to replace the otter talespinner. “She’s been whining and complaining plenty, wishing she could be with her friends. She would be glad to go, I’m sure.”

The Abbott acquiesced and, by early morning the following day, Ribbon the mousemaid warrior was astride one of Bowser’s quickest lizards with two rapid rider escorts. They had spent last night on the road, just shy of Stormhollow, but woke up early this morning. They had the good fortune of bumping into Master Weldon as he was preparing to his wagons.

“Can’t say me seen yet today,” he said, “but they were stayin’ with me friends, ol’ Martin and Rosey.”

Ribbon made inquiries at the inn, roused Oltovian from his slumber and gave him the simple message that he was to return to the Abbey immediately. She didn’t say why, as it wasn’t included in her message. But she knew, she was so curious that way, she had found out with just a few questions. But she didn’t tell Oltovian.

She wanted to, mind you. But with the escorts, she knew she shouldn’t. Maybe I’ll tell the others when they wake up. She thought. “Oh! I’m sooo excited!” she squealed.

Waiting for her friends to wake up was trying on her already low supply of patience. It wasn’t that she was angry or annoyed with her friends... nor was she judging them for sleeping in. She was just excited...

Rosey had to stop the slender mouse lass more than a dozen times already from going up and waking them too... well, Ribbon had tried to rouse Fenir, but the badger had just shrugged her off so deep was his slumber.

“Ah-ah-ah!” Rosey said firmly, blocking Ribbon’s path up the stairs. “Your friends need their sleep. Dirty and damp, they were yesterday. Won’t be any good to you sick, so just leave them be!”

The protective hostess gave the same speech to Weldon too when he arrive.

“’ell, then,” the mole replied. “’ell them sleepy-‘eads, ‘Master ‘eldon’s moved on.’ They’ll have to catch up ‘ith me at th’ Quarry.”

“Off you go, then,” Rosey said sternly to Weldon.

“Hmmff!” Weldon grunted as he took his leave.

“Now, lassy,” Rosey turned her attention back to Ribbon. “Why do you give me a hand with the muffins. Keep those idle hands busy while we wait for your friends.”

“Oh, can we!” Ribbon asked excitedly as the older hostess led her newest guest into the kitchen.

OOC: For your information, Ribbon is the daughter of Machin the librarian. While she has inherited her father’s inquisitive and curious mind, she has little patience for book learning. A happy-go-lucky lass, she is probably closest in friendship with Violet, but enjoys the company of Asher and Fenir as well. She is a natural dancer, and her fighting style reflects this. Armed with a rapier, she likes to dance around her opponents and attack with a flurry of graceful jabs and parries, the ribbons in her hair twirling and whirling with her. She carries a sling as well, but uses it only to hit opponents she can’t reach. It’s quite likely that she has some form of attention deficit.

Now... on with our story...
[The Mouses’ Inn, Stormhollow, Mid-Spring, Year 54 A.R., present time, mid-morning]
Ribbon had likely made her fortieth trip around the common room, examining each of the tapestries and chairs and tables and fireplace and counter. Waiting hard, she sighed to herself. It had been good to see Oltovian, even if it had been brief. While she was glad for the surprise that awaited him back at the Abbey, Ribbon was even more overjoyed that she got to take his place. My first real adventure! she sighed again, her heart ready to burst with excitement.

Violet descended the stairs first... and was nearly tackled by her friend.

“Violet,” Ribbon nearly shrieked. “Oh! Isn’t wonderful! I’m here! The Abbott said I could come because Oltovian had to go back to the Abbey because he got guests that just arrived and Bowser thinks it’s Oltovian’s long lost brother that Oltovian didn’t even know he had. And so Father said, ‘Oh, Ribbon can go,’ probably because I had been so sad when you all left and I was left behind and he could see that so he said I could go and the Abbott said, ‘That sounds good to me!’”

Ribbon sucked in a long breath and continued, “Oh, Violet wasn’t the ride here wonderful. I got to ride one of Bowser charger lizards with some of his Snakebite troops. Oh! They can move fast! I had to hold on so tight and the wind was whipping my ribbons everywhere. Ooo! It was so exciting!”

“And now we’re here together and I made muffins and our hosts made some delicious granola. Oh! They put this syrup over it... maple, I think... mmmmmm, it’s so good! You’ve got to try it.”

OOC: Reralae, feel free to add in Violet’s dialogue.
As Asher and Fenir joined Violet and Ribbon, the little mouse warrior jumped into the arms of each of her friends and while assaulting them with a similar verbal barrage as she had given Violet.

OOC: Astrid and Bodkin, feel free to add some dialogue too... Ribbon is a primary NPC, so please don’t post dialogue or actions for her.

Ribbon will fill the group in on why Oltovian had to leave suddenly and why she is here. She will also let them know that Weldon has moved on to the Quarry without them, so they’ll likely have to walk... or try to rent lizards for the trip to the Quarry. Up to you guys... the only difference it will make is whether you show up at the Quarry around lunch or supper.
The companions did enjoy a simple yet hearty breakfast of fresh muffins and granola with maple syrup. Hot tea and fruit juices were also offered as Fenir, Asher and Violet filled Ribbon in on their adventures so far. Together, the companions decided quickly how they would travel to the Quarry before swiftly packing their belonging, not wanting to waste anymore of the day.

OOC: Let me know how you wish to travel to the Quarry in the Q/A forum.
Soon after breakfast, the companions said their farewells to Rosey and Martin and set off for the Quarry.

While it was difficult at times to navigate through the tight passage ways through the Murkenhills, it was stunning. The roadway took them over high hills where it almost felt like they could touch the clouds floating by. The journey also took them into deep valleys with tall walls of solid rock which cut out most natural light. Veins of crystal quartz would put on a sparkling and dazzling display anytime the sun did manage to break in.

Cresting the final hill, the companions were rewarded with a sight they had not seen before – the Quarry lay below, between two hills, a hole wide and deep – a testimony to mole ingenuity. From this vantage point, the group of travellers could see the moles below hard at work, some picking and hammering out the stone from the outer walls, others moving the stone by carts drawn by massive lizards, and still others chiselling and shaping the stone into smooth squares ready for use. A number of buildings lay around the outer edge, likely rooming housing for the miners.

The companions descended the hill into the Quarry. While many of the moles gave them inquisitive looks, few greeted them with more than courteous nods and hellos before going back to their work.

Ribbon asked one of the passing mole where they might find Foreman Tigwyn.

“Hrmm,” the miner replied. “Likely down in ‘is office down at th’ bottom there. Th’ only building down there. Ye can’t miss it.”

OOC: See the Q/A forum for more info...

Fenir awoke the bright mid-morning light streaming into the bedroom. He'd slept well, but the daylight seemed blinding and a heavy headache thrummed behind his eyes. He winced sitting up an almost immediately regretted the choice his head swimming. Quickly flopping back on to the bed Fenir pressed his eyes shut tight allowing the room to stop spinning.

He chuckled to himself, hadn't even take off his boots. He carefully reached down and awkwardly pulled the boot he'd half kicked off in his sleep back on. Shading his eyes he sat up supporting himself with the edge of the bed. this time wasn't as bad the room only swayed from side to side. standing Fenir slowly worked his way to the room's doorway. He was grateful of the relative darkness of the hall as the room door shut behind him. he rested his head on the cool wood of the door for a moment steeling himself for the jarring trip down the stairs.

Fenir hear the little mouse several stairs before they reached the common room of the inn.

we’re here together and I made muffins and our hosts made some delicious granola. Oh! They put this syrup over it... maple, I think... mmmmmm, it’s so good! You’ve got to try it.”

the little mouse warrior jumped into the arms of each of her friends and while assaulting them with a similar verbal barrage
Even as Fenir winced catching the small mouse girl in his arms he couldn't hide the smile. some how he could never be grumpy or angry with the excitable little mouse.

though as she recited her story with the detail of an epic bard. Fenir ordered a double willow bark and mint tea to take the edge off of his throbbing headache. Fenir found that a good breakfast also did wonders to better his mood and constitution.

Soon after breakfast, the companions said their farewells to Rosey and Martin and set off for the Quarry.

Violet made her way down the stairs. With any luck, she would make it to the common room before making their visitor too-

“Violet!”
Violet gave a squeak as she nearly fell over, her slender frame hardly capable of keeping herself and Ribbon upright with Ribbon's momentum, "Ribbon?!" she gasped, looking up at the mouse, and giving her a strong hug in return, "What are you doing here?"

“Oh! Isn’t wonderful! I’m here! The Abbott said I could come because Oltovian had to go back to the Abbey because he got guests that just arrived and Bowser thinks it’s Oltovian’s long lost brother that Oltovian didn’t even know he had. And so Father said, ‘Oh, Ribbon can go,’ probably because I had been so sad when you all left and I was left behind and he could see that so he said I could go and the Abbott said, ‘That sounds good to me!’”
Violet carefully shifted her positioning to help both her and Ribbon back upright, smiling at Ribbon, "I'm glad he agreed."

Ribbon sucked in a long breath and continued, “Oh, Violet wasn’t the ride here wonderful. I got to ride one of Bowser charger lizards with some of his Snakebite troops. Oh! They can move fast! I had to hold on so tight and the wind was whipping my ribbons everywhere. Ooo! It was so exciting!”

“And now we’re here together and I made muffins and our hosts made some delicious granola. Oh! They put this syrup over it... maple, I think... mmmmmm, it’s so good! You’ve got to try it.
Vi grinned and nodded, "Definitely. I haven't eaten anything yet today." Not seeing Fenrir or Asher in the common room, Violet added, "I'll grab a few bowls for the guys too. Did you already eat?"

((Presuming she did because she did help make the food too))

Violet left Ribbon to pounce the guys, chuckling as she glanced back to see Fenrir walk headlong into a Ribbon-pounce. Walking up to the counter, Violet spoke with Rosey, "May we have three muffins and three servings of granola, please?" Violet asked, "And how much was it for our stay?" She asked.

((Cost was listed at 12gp on the Q&A iirc))

Violet reaches into her pack, pulling out the shared bag that carried the group's funds, having been the one to carry it after Fenrir passed the remainder to her, she counts fourteen coins and places them on the counter or in Rosey's paws if she's taking them. She'll pick up breakfast and bring it over to a vacant table for the group, before waving Fenrir and Asher over.

"Well, I'm guessing our ride has left without us." Violet noted after they had eaten, her eyes catching the angle of the shadow cast by the window, judging the time to be definitely a bit later than anticipated. Violet yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. "I think we should take a passage from Ribbon's journey here and rent a few lizards to catch up."

((By the Q&A we seemed to be in agreement))

Violet gave a curtsey to their hosts as they left the inn, "Thank you for your hospitality." She said.

On their way to the stables, Violet couldn't help but give out a yawn, "I'm sorry. I still feel exhausted. Didn't sleep very well." She offers by way of explanation.

When they reach the stables, Vi speaks up, "If it's okay, I think I should ride with you, Ribbon. I don't think I should try riding alone while I'm tired, and we're easily the lightest, so hopefully it won't be too much for the lizard."

((Presuming affirmative as in the Q&A))

While riding on their way to the quarry, Violet made sure to hold on. It would help prevent her shawl or wings from catching on the air as they rode. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at the occasional crystalline structures sticking out of the ground beside the path. They were amazing to look at, almost glowing in the light. Perhaps she would try to pick up a small piece of one for the trip back.

When they reached their destination, Violet straightened and stretched her small frame lightly, "I... don't think I like riding on lizards." She noted sheepishly.